Like a demo and rebuild construction blueprint, the new Draft General Plan lays out a policy path for San Mateo to replace itself. It greases the skids for city-wide redevelopment, while discounting neighborhood livability, displacing small businesses, and endangering the Downtown Historic District.  

"A gut-punch to the voters of San Mateo," is how one observer described it.  Deliberately ignoring the sustainable smart growth model favored by city residents, the City Council and the Draft General Plan double down on extreme and untenable growth that will permanently alter the face of San Mateo.

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"In the end, our society will be defined not only by what we create, but by what we refuse to destroy."

- John Sawhill, former President of The Nature Conservency