Issue date: April 01, 1998
By MARION SOFTKY
The action to condemn 280 acres of Skyline open space belonging to the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir is on hold while representatives of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and the convent resume discussions on whether a convent and retreat center can coexist with open space and wildlife on the scenic property west of Skyline.
After a storm of protest, the district board of directors voted March 25 to suspend the action taken one week earlier to initiate eminent domain proceedings on land planned for an 18,000-square-foot complex, including a convent for up to 18 cloistered nuns, a retreat center, and a chapel with 47-foot onion dome. The property, bought from the Archdiocese of San Francisco in 1996 for approximately $700,000, is located west of Skyline Boulevard about 2-1/2 miles south of Highway 92.
The district filed a lawsuit required to begin eminent domain procedures the day after an emotional, four-hour hearing March 18; however, it has not served it.
Negotiations resumed March 27, and both sides were hopeful a solution could be reached, possibly by the board meeting April 8 or 22. "The district's intent is to come up with a compromise as soon as possible. We really want a solution," said Public Affairs Officer Malcolm Smith.
In earlier negotiations, the convent had offered to sell the district 60 percent of the land for $300,000 and dedicate another 30 percent to permanent open space; the district offered $982,800 for the entire property.
The disagreement apparently centered upon the location of the buildings on the remaining 28 acres, and the impact of 18,000 square feet of building on wildlife habitat, wildlife corridors and scenery.
On March 24, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution urging the open space district to rescind its decision. It said that eminent domain should be exercised only as a last resort, and urged a negotiated solution that "recognizes both the legitimate interests of the Russian convent to pursue their dream of establishing a permanent home on the property, and the interests of the district in preserving open space."
Supervisors Ruben Barrales and Rich Gordon, who voted last year against the convent's concept plan, supported the resolution.
Mr. Smith explained the district's purpose in using eminent domain is always to reach a settlement. This is the 15th time in its 25-year history that the district has initiated eminent domain. Fourteen of those times it settled before trial, and once during trial, he said. "The intent is always to settle -- to sit down and come up with a solution that will satisfy everyone."
Meanwhile, the convent has filed its application with the county, which has hired a consultant who is preparing an environmental impact report. Attorney Colleen Doherty said she hopes to be ready for public review of the project this spring or summer.
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