Plan to Demolish Wendy’s for Condos Moves Forward

Developers presented the Millbrae Planning Commision with an proposal for the building that may soon replace the Wendy’s on El Camino Real.

Developers now wish to build apartments instead of condominiums, meaning the developer would retain ownership of the units and rent them for a few years, eventually selling them as condos. They will also add another 3,000 square-feet of office space to the design. 

“We’ve talked to several banking institution, and they’re not in favor of condo financing right now,” said Edwin Law, who represents Pinewave Development. “The construction and insurance costs are prohibitively expensive for condos.”

The complex would house 51 apartment units and about eight offices along the ground floor, but Pinewave and commission members disagreed on the intended use of the commercial space. The developer wants to attract medical offices whereas the commission envisions larger offices and retail stores, but both parties were flexible on the ultimate layout.

However, some surrounding businesses aren’t satisfied with the design.

“I see absolutely no landscaping here,” said Barry Ongerth, owner of the next to Wendy's. “I understand we’re trying to create more urbanized dwellings, there needs to be some density, but there also needs to be landscaping too.”

Ongerth said that although he was happy with some of the newer developments in Millbrae, he felt many were crammed and lacked the open space people value in suburban cities.

He was also worried about noise and apartment residents illegally parking at the Travelodge.

“At our hotel, we sell sleep,” he said.

A detailed landscape design is still in initial talks as city staff and developers have focused on the overall land use for the project, according to City Planner David Petrovich.

The Planning Commission instructed Law to draft a revised landscaping plan and it will conduct another public study session on April 4.