At its August 15 meeting, a majority of the committee voted against the Planning Commission’s decision to support the project on the condition that the issue of union payments be addressed. The applicant has completed its due diligence and has completed most of the city’s requests on matters of concern, claiming it would be a good location for the growing life sciences sector. It called on union workers to resolve differences regarding workers’ jobs and wages in general, and instructed staff to submit a motion for approval consideration and discussion at the next meeting.

The issue of general wages remains an important focus, as general wages protect the local labor market from contractors from elsewhere and create a no-below-lower floor to limit labor exploitation. increase.

Several local union contractors spoke of a lack of local union activity and called for the rejection of the project. and said it would bail out lawmakers who didn’t ask for it.

“We are very close and look forward to seeing this project move forward,” said City Councilman Sam Hindy.

“I hope that there will be talks between the local unions and the developers and that they will work in good faith. Wage increases were a big problem not only for union work, but also for us,” said Councilor Sanjay. Gehani said.

The 388 Vintage Park Drive project transforms a 2.2-acre site from a vacant El Torito building into a life sciences building. The four-story building includes his three-story office space above the parking lot, which amounts to approximately 124,000 square feet. Half lab space, half office space, and 210 parking spaces. The building is located at the intersection of Vintage Park and Chess Drive near Bridgepoint Shopping Center in San Mateo.

SteelWave and Helios Real Estate first filed in September 2020. Hindi wanted the city to move forward and embrace the values ​​of life sciences business, but encouraged applicants to meet with the union to find a middle ground.

“I think this project fits very well in its location and in the Foster City ecosystem,” said Hindi. “We need to strengthen the city’s identity as a hub for life sciences and biotechnology.”

The council felt it was not feasible to build a restaurant on the premises alongside the life sciences building, as it would be on a residential site. Several councilors cited high restaurant failure rates, lack of parking, and low interest in the area. City officials have shown little interest in the site since El Torito closed in his 2018.

Some planning commissions were proposing mixed-use sites with restaurants or housing to add community benefits while restaurant sites were lost. It said the multi-use site was not financially viable due to the condition of the soil.

“We would love to enjoy fine fine dining, but the reality is that the place doesn’t do it,” said Councilor Patrick Sullivan.

The Council did not approve or reject the project, but set the basis for considering the terms of its approval.