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154-Units Coming to Pinole, New FHSZ Maps & Openings In Ferry Building!

154-Units Coming to Pinole, New FHSZ Maps & Openings In Ferry Building!

Wilson Leung
April 18, 2025

Live from the Bay Area, partially sunny day.

Here is your weekly update:

Menlo Park, Pinole & Pacifica New Developments
2 Exciting Openings In Ferry Building
New Fire Hazard Zone Maps
Easter & Other Exciting Events This Weekend

Let’s get to it.

— Wilson Leung

New Developments & Real Estate

Menlo Park to Transform Downtown Parking Plazas into Housing Hubs

Menlo Park is planning to transform three downtown parking plazas into affordable housing sites to address housing needs.

The city has opened applications for projects aiming to create at least 345 affordable housing units, with the potential for more.

These lots are part of eight city-designated properties intended to meet housing goals. Seven development teams have submitted proposals.

The Pinole Planning Commission approved the Appian Village project, bringing 154 new homes to a 7.7-acre site at 2151 Appian Way.

The development will feature 26 three-story buildings with stacked flats and townhomes ranging from 1,249 to 1,825 square feet.

Notably, 20% of the homes will be affordable, with 15% for moderate-income households, and 5% for low-income households.

Developer Paul Heule is leveraging California's builder's remedy law to propose a housing project at the long-vacant Rockaway Quarry site in Pacifica.

The plan envisions the construction of 1,021 affordable housing units on the 86-acre property, which has been unused since 1987.

The developer intends for 80% of these units to be designated for moderate-income households and the remaining 20% for low-income residents

The Ferry Building in San Francisco is poised to welcome a new bakery and restaurant duo in June 2025.

Chef Alex Hong and operations director Joel Wilkerson, both alumni of fine dining favorite Sorrel, are the brains behind the new establishments.

Parachute Bakery

This establishment will specialize in Viennoiserie and laminated pastries, promising a delightful array of freshly baked goods for visitors to enjoy within the marketplace.

Arquet Restaurant

The new restaurant will offer an evening experience encompassing a restaurant, lounge, and bar, providing a refined dining and social option in the iconic location.

New Fire Hazard Zone Maps & Local Responsibilities

CAL FIRE has released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps that significantly impact planning and safety measures in San Mateo County.

These new maps classify areas as Moderate, High, or Very High fire hazard zones based on topography, vegetation, and climate conditions—not current fire risk.

For example, while the cities of San Mateo and Belmont have updated maps available, Foster City is not located within a designated FHSZ.

The maps are crucial for guiding future development, enforcing defensible space regulations, and informing homeowners of their responsibilities, including fire-resistant construction, vegetation management, and hazard disclosure during property sales.

City of San Mateo’s map

City of Belmont’s map

Upcoming Events This Easter Weekend

Looking for the best spots to celebrate Easter, or just trying to have fun this weekend? We’ve rounded up five of the Bay Area’s most exciting events!