In a turn of events that dims the beacon of hope for those struggling to find affordable housing on the San Mateo coast, the County has decided to forgo the development of a promising site near the Pacific Ocean. Following a rigorous analysis, officials determined that the nearly 50-acre property at 2265 & 2275 Cabrillo Highway South did not meet the specific needs required for the planned affordable and farmworker housing.
According to the County of San Mateo, the County had signed a contract in January 2024 with ambitions to transform the former greenhouse site into a mixture of much-needed housing and community services. The Board of Supervisors had eyed the less-than-a-mile stretch from the ocean for its potential to provide accommodations currently lacking from the private sector. However, today's announcement showcased that despite initial excitement, the site had fallen through the cracks of viability.
Supervisor Ray Mueller, representing District Three, where the property is located, expressed his disappointment but maintained a staunch resolve. "While disappointing, this part of the journey does not in any way diminish the County’s continued commitment to add more essential farmworker and workforce housing for vulnerable populations living on the San Mateo Coast, and to find a permanent site for an agricultural distribution center/ food hub that will support the Coastside’s farming and ranching economy," Mueller said via the County of San Mateo article, sharing appreciation for the County's professional team and the insights gained during the due diligence process.
Notwithstanding this setback, San Mateo County remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the housing crisis on its coast and supporting several coastal projects, including the soon-to-be-installed dozens of manufactured homes at the Stone Pine Cove Farm Labor Housing Project and the Cypress Point project in Moss Beach—which, upon completion, will provide homes for about 210 people across 71 units.
