What is being built and why?

The Sisters of Mercy leadership has stated that their numbers are dwindling as fewer go into the Order with time. The existing sisters are aging, and there may eventually be a time when nuns no longer live on this campus. Leadership therefore would like to make plans for this 40-acre property that will also fulfill their stated mission. However, the Sisters goals do not align with the best interests of the surrounding neighborhoods. While they state they've reached out for community input, they have not altered their initial plans to take into account the many concerns that neighbors have expressed about this development.

The Sisters of Mercy Western Division leadership in Omaha, Nebraska sent out a letter to nearby neighbors in February 2021 stating they are closing in on a final plan that will be presented to the Burlingame Planning Commission. Click here for a link to the letter. The items they are proposing to build are as follows:

• In the building labelled "MERCY CENTER" above (right upper corner), converting the existent building to 75-80 new studio and 1-bedroom apartments for senior affordable housing. Parking to be adjacent, would need to accommodate at least 100 new cars (most likely would be built where BLACK box is above)

• In BLUE above, building an unspecified number of new senior accessible accommodations for aging nuns plus members of the public adjacent to the existent Marion Oaks nursing facility. Additional parking would also be required here to accommodate staff, nurses, and visitors.

• In YELLOW above, a gym/multipurpose building for the Mercy High School in the footprint of the existent tennis courts.

• In PINK above, constructing single family homes along the Mercy side of Hoover Avenue.

As you can see, our conservative estimate almost doubles the footprint of Mercy's current buildings!