San Mateo Avenue ... The Saga

Vivian January 29, 2013 at 05:59 pm

How about trying to model this part of town like Bayhill up the road? They have attracted food, health/beauty, chain stores, and specialty stores. Updating the look might attract more business to invest. In anticipation of growth, how about sacrificing part of the street for a multilevel garage? No point in businesses coming to an area where their customers can't even reach them. Thank you.

Mark Taylor January 30, 2013 at 07:30 pm

When I was a kid, I would spend my summers in a small Washington town at the eastern end of the Cascade mountains. It is at the western end of the Wenatchee Valley where a lot of apples come from. The town though was dying. Sure the scenery of the mountains, the nearby river and a nearby national park brought people through but they did not stop. So they came up with the idea of a Bavarian theme. It worked and now is a major tourist destination: Leavenworth, Washington-The Bavarian Village. Look it up!
Now I am not suggesting anything so grand but developing a theme that would bring people into downtown San Bruno would be a good start. There are many possibilities to consider from a small town theme to something more spectacular. The goal is to make it a place that is unique and attracts people. Otherwise people just go by. I see San Mateo Ave most days when I catch the 141 (by the way that stops running through there in August except for school trips) at Sylvan. The place is in terrible need of a facelift and a theme. If things are left unchanged, it likely will simply decay away as most stores close and move elsewhere.

Heidi Beck February 1, 2013 at 12:38 am

With the multicultural variety in eateries and markets downtown, I'm surprised there aren't any "foodie tours" of San Bruno. I've been on such tours elsewhere, and it's a fun thing for tourists as well as residents who want an introduction to local shops and restaurants. For a fee, a tour leader leads a walk around a neighborhood and gives an overview of the history and any interesting buildings or artwork, and the group stops in various restaurants and shops where the owners have prepared some samples for the group (some restaurants offer only a taste, but others are quite generous with a small multi-course meal served family style). Or they may offer tastings (say, varieties of olive oil, or tea). Spice or candy shops might offer a small sample to take home and a discount coupon for the next visit. It's a lot of fun.

Mary an Stanley February 2, 2013 at 02:41 am

Thank you thank you thank you ALL these suggestions are GREAT and can be done!! Keep the suggestions coming!

Deb February 5, 2013 at 03:37 am

Parking. Down at the southern end, there is never anywhere to park due to the swim shop patrons dropping off & picking up kids for lessons. It's great that they are there, as it helps the surrounding businesses, but if I want to grab a deli sandwich or frozen yogurt, I might think twice if I can't find a space.
Also, all of the parking in Downtown is timed - 1 or 2 hour spaces. Enough if you're just getting something quick, but it discourages people from staying in the area (especially since the parking enforcement officers do such a good job). Maybe keep the time limit on the street but get rid of it on adjacent side streets and the lots behind the businesses on the east side.

Barbara Abitsch February 7, 2013 at 08:00 pm

The downtown area needs remodelling - wat too many ethnic stores and restaurants- one little coffee shop - go up and study Bayhill - they are always crowded - urban village?? what the hell is that??right now everything is going into the bullet train to nowhere, and the future plans to ruin San Bruno with more retail and condos - I've lived here for over 50 years - we're not Burlingame, we are a working man's rown - Barbara Abitsch