Two development plans voted down

SAN MATEO, Calif. - The San Mateo Planning Commission on Thursday voted down two plans to develop the land on which Bay Meadows sits.

The 3-2 decision at the end of a six-hour meeting on Wednesday night rejected a development plan by the City of San Mateo, called the "San Mateo Rail Corridor Transit-Oriented Development," as well as a separate development plan for the 83.5-acre Bay Meadows track by the track owner, the Bay Meadows Land Co.

Opponents of the development plans raised concerns about traffic and also argued on behalf of Bay Meadows's historic status.

The vote does not kill the plans, which could be taken to the San Mateo City Council. The plans could also be brought back before the planning commission with possible modifications at a later date.

The Bay Meadows Land Co. last year ended a lease agreement with the Magna Entertainment Corp. to conduct racing meetings at Bay Meadows. The land company instead set up the Bay Meadows Racing Association to run the track. The company has long indicated that it wants to look into alternate uses for the property.

End to two droughts?

Sister Mary Hugh returns to the turf Sunday, trying to snap a long drought for herself and trainer Quentin Miller in a 1 1/16-mile allowance race for fillies and mares.

Others contenders in the race are Eleanor Rose, Strong Faith, Ballistic Angel, Blue Imp, and Eclipse Winner.

, 6, has 6 wins, 9 seconds, and 6 thirds in 43 starts, but is winless in her last 17 starts, dating back to Nov. 26, 2003. Miller was 0 for 70 last year and is 0 for 16 this meet, but he has 4 seconds and 3 thirds this year.

should be near the front in this paceless race, with Ballistic Angel sitting close. They will be tough to catch, but Sister Mary Hugh comes off her best start since moving from turf to dirt and, back on dirt, could rally late.