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PALO ALTO

CALIFORNIA AVENUE TRANSIT HUB CORRIDOR

September 1, 2011

Attendees:Jaime Rodriquez Shahla Yazdy Kandee Bahmani

Linda Gates David Gates Terry Shochat

Curtis Williams Dave Bennett Leland Wiesner

Bob Moss Scott Otle Elena Silverman

Cham Dang Jessica Roth Michael Ekwall

Lara Ekwall Masa OhoChi Christina Ross

Judy Gittelsohm Tommy Fehrenback Hector Sol

Bob Davidson

The City introduced the project and the Design Team. It was emphasized that the City would like to

formalize communications with the business community. They would like to establish a consistent meetingschedule, at time/times most convenient for property owners and merchants which could provide a reliable

method for the business community to communicate their issues and concerns to the City. Per City

direction, the first tasks the Consultant Team will be to look at are options for widening the sidewalks. The

RBF/Gates Consultant Team solicited input from meeting participants on their concerns and goals for the

project. Input fell into several categories.

1. Decision to reduce number of travel lanes on California Avenue from four (4) to two (2) lanes.The majority of attendees (10-2) are not in support of the 2-lane options; but would like to see the street

beautified. They are concerned that without 2 lanes of traffic in each direction, flow will severelyimpact motorists, as motorists require left lanes to pass cars stopped in right lane (they noted double

parking for deliveries). Motorists on California must stop to allow pedestrians to cross driveways prior

to turning into parking and to allow cars parked in diagonal spaces to back out.

David Bennet noted that the Mollie Stones Market especially could be impacted by congestion.Participants also expressed frustration that they feel the City has elected to proceed with the 2-lane

option in spite of business community concerns. The City indicated that they are looking into perhaps

performing a test to see how traffic patterns might be impacted. Participants were in favor of a test.

One participant shared the viewpoint in support of the 2-lane option. He pointed out that many of thesuccessful retail corridors are 2-lane only. One example he shared was the BIRDROCK area in San

Diego; which did a similar, very successful, conversion from four to two lanes.

2. ParkingAll participants indicated that adequate parking is the number one issue. The majority of parkingshortage occurs between 11 and 3. Some local companies have addressed parking deficiencies by

providing employee shuttles to California Avenue for lunch. Jaime shared that the City is currently

conducting a parking analysis for the area. They have already collected important information on

parking availability at four (4) key times throughout the day and will repeat the inventory assessment

again in September. There was concern expressed by participants that some of the available parking

stalls were actually not used because they were too small. The City and Design Team shared that future

parking stalls would be per city standard (9 wide by 18 deep) Sub-standard stalls would not be used to

Attachment B


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increase parking stall yield. The angle of parking should be looked at also (check what Menlo Park

did). The City acknowledged the long waiting list for permit parking. It was suggested that the waiting

list is an indication of both of the critical need and that permit rates are low. It was suggested that fees

should be raised and an additional parking structure constructed.

Other suggestions included: train employees and business owners to use the remote parking spaces.Provide customers information about parking stall availability in the area. Enhance pedestrian

connections between available parking and destinations to reduce perceived travel distance.

3. Character of California Avenue:There was a discussion of what makes California Avenue special. It was felt that California Avenue is

a reflection of old Palo Alto. The tenant mix of local, owner-operated, independent businesses creates a

unique, personal, friendly ambiance. It feels authentic. The focus of the project should be protection of

existing business and this special retail ambiance. The link to Cal Train is important for business.

Thoughts on character:

! Like the art flavor of the street and feel that the beautification project should indicate potentiallocations for art but not pieces. Perhaps these could be short-term revolving art display.

! Need shade, would place emphasis on trees over art. Existing trees are not sacred; rather find the bestsolution for the street.

! Like outdoor dining uses; but need to protect these areas from cars.! Would like to see more interesting plantings (Stanford Shopping Center and University Ave. are good

examples)

! Maintenance: need to address maintenance for new planted areas; not consistent. Existing planters andbanners are not maintained.

! News racks improve look, consolidate and regulate locations, reduce visual clutter.! Lighting: need to improve to make the area feel safer (especially by Plaza). Light fixtures should be

more attractive and pedestrian scale.

! Signage: enhance way-finding at the pedestrian scale, (maybe a directory with street map @ locationsalong street). Mixed feelings on adequacy of parking lot kiosk with information / signage about local

events/sales.

! Street furniture: add more trash receptacles and attractive recycling containers. Provide opportunitiesfor boulders, art, seat pads.

! Storm drainage: make sure improvements do not create drainage / flood problems. (Consultant Teamhas been specially tasked by City to look at this issue.)

! Farmers Market is critical to economic success of some businesses. Retain at its present location,although as it grows, shift further in from El Camino intersection. Look at opportunities to develop

other events in Plaza area to benefit businesses at the end of sheet.

4. Pedestrian CirculationCrosswalk needs to be more visible. Concerned flashing crosswalks would increase traffic congestion,

like raised crosswalks. Need to provide adequate space for Moms with strollers.

5. Plaza AreaPlaza, particularly the undercrossing, does not feel safe. Maybe it could be a performance / speaking

venue. Maybe it could provide more parking.


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6. Construction ImpactsConstruction of beautification improvements cannot be allowed to disrupt existing businesses. City and

Consultant Team are committed to creating a staging and phasing plan which is focused on protecting

existing businesses.

7. OtherWould like to see stop sign added at Sherman Avenue and Ash Street.

Questions the participants would like to see addressed:

1. How do improved bicycle facilities benefit business? Where has this happened? Do not feelincreased bike traffic will benefit some uses such as the grocery store.

2. How are bicyclists safer with reduced lanes? What about conflicts with parked cars backing intobicyclists?

3. What are the economic benefits of the improvements for the merchants?4. Many businesses use rear alley for deliveries; but some depend on deliveries directly from

California Avenue; how will 2-lane option accommodate deliveries?

5. Does it make sense to retain four lanes and transition for first block of El Camino? There aresignificant back-ups for motorist turning into the CitiBank parking area and the first block is the

most congested.

6. How are buses accommodated?

Documents

9 -1-11 CalAve Merchant Mtg notes