HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 419-10TO: HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT
DATE: DECEMBER 6, 2010 CMR: 419:10
REPORT TYPE: CONSENT CALENDAR
SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for the
Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) and/or Congestion
Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Funding for the
California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Project and Conlmitting the
Necessary Non-Federal Match and Stating the Assurance to Complete the
Project
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council adopt the attached resolution to authorize the Santa Clara County
Valley Transportation Authority (VT A) to submit an application for the California Avenue
Transit Hub Corridor Project to the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MTC) and to commit
funding if the proj ect is approved.
BACKGROUND
The Santa Clara County Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) released a call for projects for
the Community Design for Transportation (CDT) Program on August 6, 2010.The CDT
Program funds proj ects that provide or enhance connections between land uses to transit
facilities such as streetscape projects. In response to the call for projects staff prepared an
application for the California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Proj ect between El Camino Real and
the California Avenue Caltrain Station to provide place making, traffic calming, and streetscape
improvements.
The project is an ideal candidate for the CDT Program, enhancing the connection between
existing residential and comnlercialland uses to the existing transit facilities at each end of the
street, with Caltrain on the eastern end and VT A transit facilities on the western end. The proj ect
scored well during the CDT project evaluation process and is currently being recommended for
funding to the VT A Board of Directors. If approved, a recommendation to MTC will be made
for funding of the proj ect through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement
(CMAQ) program fund.
CMR:419:10 Page 1 of 4
DISCUSSION
The California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Project was developed through an extensive
community outreach process to solicit input on the proposed proj ect elements. Staff held five
community meetings including two with merchants along the California Avenue Business
District, one with residents of the Park Boulevard Homeowner's Association, and two area-wide
community meetings. The proposed streetscape elements of the project are intended to enhance
the street's aesthetics and pedestrian environnlent and build comnlunity interest within the
California Avenue District. The project is also an element of the California A venuelFry's Area
Concept Plan Comprehensive Plan currently under development.
Unique project elements include decorative street signs and markers to promote place-making
and provide message areas to promote Palo Alto and district-specific history. Expanded seating
areas along the project area are also proposed to help promote the successful restaurants in the
area and provide seating for community events such as the Farmer's Market. The existing
California Avenue Park Plaza adjacent to the Caltrain Station is also identified for revitalization
with this proj ect, including enhanced bike rack facilities, information kiosks to promote the
City'S Bicycle Plan currently under development, and seating areas with gaming elements to
promote community interest.
The project cost is estinlated at $1,725,200 for design and construction. The grant would
comprise $1,175,200 and a local match in the amount of $550,000 is required. To help expedite
the project, grant funding is only being requested for the construction phase of the project, so that
the environmental and design phases may proceed immediately. A mid-year budget adoption
will be pursued to identify local-match funding if the project is recommended for funding by the
VTA Board of Directors.
The environmental phase will include a traffic analysis and completion of California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements for the project. The traffic analysis will
include the collection of traffic data on California Avenue, Cambridge Avenue, Sherman
Avenue, Ash Street, Birch Street, and Park Boulevard so that a 4-lane to 2-lane reduction on
California Avenue may be considered. Traffic data collection began on Novetnber 2, 2010
including traffic volumes, pedestrian and bike volumes, and vehicle speeds. The traffic analysis
will be presented to the community at a meeting on December 16, and will then be considered by
the Planning and Transportation Commission and City Council.
The proposed resolution authorizes filing of the California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor project
for future funding from the state's Surface Transportation Program (STP) managed by the
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) with funding from the Congestion Mitigation
and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program. Federal funding will be available in February
2012 allowing more than one year for the project design to be completed.
Pending Community Concerns and Final Design Review
The community has generally supported many of the design components of the California
Avenue Transit Hub Corridor project, including parking increases and bulb-out improvements,
but there remain project details that require additional community outreach, such as whether to
provide tables for outside dining, benches or trees in the bulb-outs, and final configuration of the
CMR:419:10 Page 2 of4
California Avenue Park Plaza design. Of particular concern to many meeting participants
however, was the proposal to convert California Avenue from a 4-lane section to a 2-lane
section. This winter staff will be completing a traffic study to determine whether this is a feasible
element of the project. A community meeting to present the findings of the study is scheduled for
December 16, followed by a presentation to the Planning and Transportation Commission and
City Council for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) certification. Staff is hopeful
that the traffic study findings and community input will support the grant project concept so that
design on the remaining project elements may begin in the Spring. The design would be
completed over a 12-month period with construction beginning in spring 2012.
Staff also notes that Council has received multiple communications from Mr. William Ross,
representing several property owners and tenants along California Avenue. The following
responses are provided to three of Mr. Ross' primary concerns:
1. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Review and Approval
Mr. Ross has objected to proceeding with the grant and design review prior to CEQA review. A
traffic study is currently underway and CEQA review will be part of the considerations by the
Planning and Transportation Commission and Council review in early 2011. Detailed design of
the project will not begin until after CEQA review and approval.
2. Parking Assessments .
Mr. Ross has stated that the Chief Transportation Official Jindicated that the property
ownerslbusinesses would be responsible for paying (through assessments) for the improvements.
Staff acknowledges that there may have been misunderstanding about this option. One of the
project elements includes the addition of bulb-outs along California Avenue for the planting of
additional trees, use for additional public art, or for the installation of tables and seating for
outside dining. If tables and seating were implemented, one option would be to lease that public
space to an adjacent restaurant to help reduce maintenance costs for the tables. Currently, any
outside seating tables on the concept plan are proposed as open space and all construction costs
would be borne by the City (supported by the grant).
3. Street Reconfiguration
Mr. Ross has objected to pursuing the grant in that it locks the City into a 2-lane option on
California Avenue. The grant request is for the construction phase of the project, estimated to
begin in Spring 2012 so if the Council determines in early 2011 that the 2-lane configuration is
not desired, either 1) staff will explore whether some or all of the grant could still be available
for different improvements along California Avenue, or 2) the funding could be abandoned.
RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no immediate resource impact in submitting the resolution for the project so that
funding may be considered by the VTA Board of Directors. If the project is funded, a mid-year
budget adoption will be pursued to identify funding estimated at $1.7M. Approximately $1.2M
of the project for the construction phase would be grant-reimbursed. The current traffic study is
funded by the existing California Avenue CIP.
CMR:419:10 Page 3 of 4
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The City's Comprehensive Plan recommends streetscape and place-making improvements along
California Avenue to ensure continued growth of the California Avenue Business District. The
action recommended by this report is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan recommendations.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of this resolution is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). CEQA analysis for the California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor project will be
completed at a later date, if the funding is approved and prior to Council approval of the project
design.
PREPARED BY:
Chief Transportation 0
DEPARTMENT APPROVAL: ~rt..~
CURTIS WILLIAMS ~
Director, Planning and Community Environment
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for the Federal Surface Transportation
Program (STP) and/or Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ)
Funding for the California A venue Transit Hub Corridor Proj ect and Committing the
Necessary Non-Federal Match and Stating the Assurance to Complete the Project
B. Copy of the California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Project Application
CMR:419:10 Page 4 of4
* NOT YET APPROVED *
Resolution No. ----
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto
Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Federal Surface
Transportation Program (S TP) and! or Congestion Mitigation
and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Funding for the
California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Project and
Committing the Necessary Non-Federal Match and
Stating the Assurance to Complete the Proj ect
Attachment A
WHEREAS, the City of Palo Alto (herein referred to as CITY) is submitting an
application to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for $1,175,200 in funding
from the federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) and/or Congestion Mitigation and Air.
Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program for the California Avenue -Transit Hub Corridor
Improvements (herein referred to as PROJECT) for the MTC Resolution, No. 3925, New Federal
Surface Transportation Act (FY 2009-10, FY 2010-11 and FY 2011-12) Cycle 1 STP/CMAQ
Program: Project Selection Criteria, Policy, Procedures and Programming (herein referred to as
PROGRAM); and
WHEREAS, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A
Legacy for Users (SAFETEA) (Public Law 109-59, August 10, 2005) continued the Surface
Transportation Program (23 U.S.C. § 133) and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
Improvenlent Program (CMAQ) (23 U.S.C. § 149) through Septenlber 30,2009; and
WHEREAS, SAFETEA has been extended pursuant to Public Law 11-118 and may
be subsequently extended pending enactment of successor legislation for continued funding; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to SAFETEA, and the regulations promulgated thereunder,
eligible' project sponsors wishing to receive federal Surface Transportation Program andlor
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Inlprovement Program (STP/CMAQ) funds for a project
shall submit an application first with the appropriate Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO),
for review and inclusion in the MPO's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP); and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is the MPO for
the nine counties of the San Francisco Bay region; and
WHEREAS, MTC has adopted a Regional Project Funding Delivery Policy (MTC
Resolution No. 3606, revised) that sets out procedures governing the application and use of
STP/CMAQ funds; and
WHEREAS, CITY is an eligible project sponsor for STP/CMAQfunds; and
WHEREAS, as part of the application for STP/CMAQ funding, MTC requires a
resolution adopted by the responsible implementing agency stating the following:
II
101115 dm 8261479 1
* NOT YET APPROVED *
1) A conunitment of necessary local matching funds of at least 11.47%; and
2) The sponsor understands that the STP/CMAQ funding is fixed at the programmed
amount, and therefore any cost increase cannot be expected to be funded with
additional STP/CMAQ funds; and
3) The project will comply with the procedures specified in Regional Project
Funding Delivery Policy (MTC Resolution No. 3606, revised); and
4) The assurance of the sponsor to complete the project as described in the
application, and if approved, as included in MTC's TIP; and
5) That the project will comply with all the project-specific requirements as set forth
in the PROGRAM.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palo
Alto as follows:
SECTION 1. The officers of the CITY are authorized to execute and file an
application for funding for the PROJECT under the Surface Transportation Program (STP) and
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) of SAFETEA, any
extensions of SAFETEA or any successor legislation for continued funding.
SECTION 2. The CITY by adopting this resolution does hereby state that:
1. CITY will provide $550,000 in non-federal matching funds; and
2. CITY understands that the STP/CMAQ funding for the project is fixed at the MTC
approved programmed amount, and that any cost increases must be funded by the
CITY from other funds, and that CITY does not expect any cost increases to be
funded with additional STP/CMAQ funding; and
3. Applicant understands that $(N/A) is greater than the Applicant's (STP/CMAQ
Amount) Regional Local Streets & Roads formula share of Local Streets & Roads
programming, and that the Applicant will forgo future programming shares until the
amount of the overage $(N/A) is reached. (This requirement does not apply to
CITY, only to applicants who received an "augmentation" greater than $100,000 in
the Local Streets.~& Roads program only)
4. CITY understands the funding deadlines associated with these funds and will comply
with the provisions and requirements of the Regional Project Funding Delivery Policy
(MTC Resolution No. 3606, as revised); and
5. PROJECT will be implemented as described in the complete application and in this
resolution and, if approved, for the amount programmed in the MTC federal TIP; and
6. CITY and the PROJECT will comply with the requirements as set forth in the
program; and
SECTION 3. CITY is an eligible sponsor ofSTP/CMAQ funded projects.
SECTION 4. CITY is authorized to submit an application for STP/CMAQ funds for
the PROJECT.
SECTION 5. There is no legal impediment to CITY making applications for the
funds.
101115 dm 8261479 2
, Attachment B
Community Design & Transportation
CAPITAL GRANT APPLICATION
California Avenue-Transit Hub Corridor Improvements
Palo Alto, California
California A venue Business District
(View toward Caltrain station)
Submitted to the Valley Transportation Authority
by the Planning and Transportation Department,
City of Palo Alto
October 4,2010
&',.". el ••• W.m(~ Valley Transportation Authority
VTA Revl-l02610
COMMUNITY DESIGN AND TRANSPORTATION (CDT)
BLOCK GRANT CAPITAL FUNDS APPLICATION
SECTION ONE: PROJECT SUMMARY
Project Title California Avenue -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancement
Project Description The California Avenue-Transit Hub Corridor Enhancement
project between EI Camino Real and the California Avenue
Caltrain Station includes the implementation of new
community identity markers; bicycle-pa rki ng and
community focused improvements at the California Ave -
Caltrain Plaza; transit-stop focused improvements;, traffic
calming improvements such as 4-to 2-traffic lane reduction
& raised table crosswalks, enhanced roadway delineation
and parking stations, high visibility pedestrian-activated
flashing beacons, and bulb-out improvements throughout
the corridor that alsQ function as outdoor dining areas,
and a new outdoor community stage.
Grant Funds Requested fXICMAQ $ 1,175,20'0' DTE
(Construction Phase Only)
local Match (20'% Min/phase) $550',0'0'0'
Total Project Cost $1,725,20'0'
Member Agency City of Palo Alto
Contact Person Jaime O. Rodriguez,
Chief Transportation official
Address Department of Planning and Community Environment
250' Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 9430'1
E rna iI Add ress jaime.rodriguez@cityofpaloalto.org
Phone (650') 329-2136
Fax (650') 617-310'8
Other Project Partners
California Av -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements
Valley Transportation Authority -CDT Program
SECTION ONE: PROJECT SUMMARY
1. Issue statement that clearly identifies the purpose, need and expected outcome(s) of the
project.
The California Avenue-Transit Hub Corridor Enhancement project will transform California
Avenue between EI Camino Real and California Avenue Caltrain station into a community
corridor with transit, bicycle and pedestrian focused transportation treatments; renovate
the California Avenue Caltrain Plaza into a vibrant hub for bicycle-commuters and visitors;
and provide best-practice pedestrian-scaled improvements throughout the corridor to spur
on-going economic development activity and growth. The proposed project Plan Line
Concept is provided in Attachment 2 -California Avenue -Transit Hub Corridor
Enhancement -Plan Line.
2. Include a map and/or photos showing the location of the project within 1/3 mile of a transit
station, core and/or corridor; Current and proposed land uses.
California Avenue -Regional Influence
California Avenue is identified by the VTA as a significant Transit Corridor ahd Station Area
linking EI Camino Real with the California Avenue Caltrain station. Located at west end of
the project area at EI Camino Real is the future Bus Rapid Transit station identified as part of
the VTA's efforts to comply with the Grand Boulevard Initiative project. The VTA is
currently completing the design phase of the Bus Rapid Transit project and the City of Palo
Alto is an active participant in that process. A strong pedestrian and bicycle focused
corridor along California Avenue as proposed through this project will provide the final link
between the Bus Rapid Transit and the California Avenue Caltrain station. Within the same
track right-of-way as the Caltrain facility is the future California High Speed Rail project.
The California Avenue Caltrain station serves the Stanford University Research Park,
adjacent nationally-recognized high tech centers with companies such as Hewlett-Packard,
Facebook, and Genencor, VMWare, and a transit-oriented conscious community adjacent to
the station area with Palo Alto Central Condominiums serving as the first transit-oriented
development in the region. The California Avenue Caltrain station boasts some of the
highest bicycle activity in the County of Santa Clara with over 100 peak hour boarding; this
is echoed with the high amount of bicycle activity on California Avenue throughout the day.
Palo Alto is participating in the VTA's Bike Share program that will continue to enhance
activity at the California Avenue Caltrain station. In addition, the City is entering into
discussions with adjacent high-tech centers to sponsor additional Bike Share pod stations to
be located at private facilities to further expand the Bike Share program and specifically, to
promote bicycle ridership to California Avenue.
Page 1
California Av -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements
Valley Transportation Authority -eDT Program
With the amount of regional transit activity in Palo Alto, this project provides a unique
opportunity to transform California Avenue into a bicycle and pedestrian corridor with local
and regional amenities that continue to promote transit use, support local growth and
business, and provide a safer environment for commuters as transit activity in and around
the region intensifies. This will be accomplished by deemphasizing vehicle transportation
modes through a 4-to 2-vehicle lane reduction, redevelopment of the California Plaza into a
bicycle and pedestrian hub, installation of decorative crosswalk speed tables with
pedestrian-activated flashing beacon warning systems, and bulb-out treatments that will
house unique California Avenue markers and landscape treatments.
Bisecting California Avenue along the project corridor are significant bicycle routes including
EI Camino Real, identified on the VTA and City bicycle plans, and Park Blvd, an existing Class
2 bike route that is also identified asa future Bike Boulevard on the Palo Alto Bicycle
Transportation Plan.
California Avenue -Local Background
California Avenue is currently designated as "Regional/Community Commercial" under Palo
Alto's Comprehensive plan and provides Community focused land uses including dining,
personal-service retail, grocery markets, and small office commercial. The project area is
surrounded by single-family and multi-unit housing and commercial uses. The City's
Comprehensive Plan includes policies for expanded high-density residential uses on and
along the corridor that will benefit from the proposed project by helping to create a unique
residential district unlike any other in Palo Alto with distinctive community markers that will
be located along EI Camino Real and along California Avenue. The markers will provide
identify for the community as well as serve to promote community activities and events for
visitors, and provide historical information about the community and the city.
Figure 1 -Project Area Map
Page I 2
VTA Revl-102610
California Av -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements
Valley Transportation Authority -COT Program
Provided in Attachment 3 is a more detailed Project Area Map with Transit Overlay.
Attachment 4 includes a Local Land Use and Development Activity Map on and along
California Avenue.
A Plan Line of the proposed California Avenue -Transit Plaza project is provided in
Attachment 1 and highlights public transit connections & improvements, traffic calming
treatments, and pedestrian-bicycle enhancements.
3. Proposed project cost estimate and schedule
The California Avenue -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancement project is estimated to cost
approximately $1.7M for design & construction. The city is proposing a local match of
$550,000 for the overall project.
The environmental and design stages of the project, estimated at $225,000, will be covered
one hundred percent by the City to help expedite the project readiness of the project. The
construction phase is estimated to cost $1.5M and the City is proposing a $325,000 local
match or 22% for the construction phase.
To help expedite the project readiness, the City is only requesting funds for the construction
stage of the project. The environmental and design stages will be funded 100% by the City
as will the street resurfacing component of the project and therefore not included in the
project estimates.
The requested VTA -Project Schedule and Cost Estimate Form is provided in Attachment 5.
A more detailed project schedule by task is also provided in Attachment 6-City of Palo Alto
Project Schedule.
4. Any ancillary information and Letters of Support that will inform the evaluation process.
Included in Attachment 10 are Letters of Support for the project from the following
agencies or organizations:
• Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee
• Palo Alto Housing Corporation
Page I 3
California Av -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements
Valley Transportation Authority -COT Program
SECTION TWO: PROJECT NARRA TIVE
(Use Section Two to respond to the Project Evaluation sections of COT Program Goals, Project
Context and Setting, Project Readiness, and Project Benefit)
1. COT PROGRAM GOALS
The proposed California Avenue Transit Plaza project is a great example of the City's efforts
to implement the Valley Transportation Authority's (VTA) -Community Design &
Transportation (COT) policies -Manual of Best Practices. The project includes elements
that touch on every aspect of the COT Program and have been developed through an
extensive community outreach process to ensure community support.
The California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements project is an extension of the
City's Comprehensive Plan and consistent with the policy recommendations of our Bicycle
Transportation Plan. Specifk elements consistent with the goals of the COT program
include:
• Place Making: Each of the elements in the proposed plan includes
features that will help to make California Avenue a unique
district within the City of Palo Alto, Santa Clara County and
the Peninsula. On EI Camino Real new identify markers,
shown in concept as made of Rammed Earth structures,
are proposed to bring attention to California Avenue and
to distinguish the area. The structures serve as both
identify markers and establish color patterns and palettes
that are continued throughout the project area.
Within the right-of-way of California Avenue each section
of the street will be distinctively separated from one
another including marked Sharrow travel lanes to be
shared between vehicles and bicyclists. Separating the
travel lanes and parking lanes will be new 3-ft decorative
bands that break up the street and continue the color
palette of the identifying markers. To tie the street
treatments to the pedestrian new pedestrian-scaled
markers will be installed at selected new planter areas to
promote community activities and events and to provide
historical information about California Avenue and the City
of Palo Alto. large shade trees to encourage continued
pedestrian activity along the corridor will also be provided
within the planter areas.
Rammed~arthenttysigh'" .ErCarnino.Realmedian Page 4
• Access by Proximity:
Proposed Cal Av Plaza
Bicycle Rack w/Bike Map Kiosk
• Interconnection:
• Choice:
California Av -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements
Valley Transportation Authority -CDT Program
California Avenue is accessed by thousands of travelers on
a daily basis as California Avenue is the only entry point to
the Caltrain -California Avenue Station. This project will
promote continued access to the station and include Place
Making ties back to EI Camino Real where the future Bus
Rapid Transit station will serve as a hub for travelers back
to Caltrain, enhanced bicycle-focused parking features at
the redeveloped California Avenue Plaza will strengthen
this tie.
California Avenue is a regional core for transit activity as
defined by the VTA and is serviced directly by both the VTA
Line 89, Deer Creek Caltrain shuttle and the free Stanford
Marguerite Shuttles that connect Caltrain commuters with
the Stanford Research Center, the Stanford University
Campus and adjacent business centers.
The California Avenue -Transit Plaza project will tie
together adjacent land uses and public transit facilities in a
cohesive street environment that encourages dwelling by
travelers while promoting livability. The consistent use of
elements from each end of the project including EI Camino
Real markers and planned California Avenue/Caltrain Plaza
improvements will tie together the two major transit hubs
through a series of improvements for each mode of travel
in a consistent and unified manner.
There is a variety of existing housing along California
Avenue including apartments, condos, and single-family
homes all within two city blocks. A senior housing
complex exists immediately adjacent to the site as well.
Higher densities are envisioned on and along California
Avenue due to adoption of a Pedestrian Transit Oriented
Development (PTOD) zoning overlay in 2006.
2. PROJECT CONTEXT AND SETTING
Project Scope
California Av -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements
Valley Transportation Authority -COT Program
The proposed project is consistent with the California
Avenue PTOD by contributing to a street environment that
encourages use of alternative modes of transportation.
The California Avenue -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancement project ties together the transit
facilities on EI Camino Real and the California Avenue Caltrain Station. The project includes
the following elements:
• Identity Markers along EI Camino Real and throughout California Avenue,
• Redevelopment of the California Avenue Caltrain Plaza that serves as an entrance to the
Caltrain Station and undercrossing,
• A 4-to 2-lane vehicle lane reduction to promote a safer bicycle and pedestrian
environment,
• Use of unique color palettes in both the street surface and above-ground structures to
promote the development of a Sense of Place within the community,.
• Traffic Calming treatments including bulb-out to reduce crosswalk lengths at select
intersection's to promote mobility choice,
• Raised table crosswalks made of colored concrete with decorative scoring treatments
and supplemented by high-visibility pedestrian-activated flashing beacons to promote
awareness of pedestrian activity,
• Pedestrian-level streetscape furniture throughout the street, and
• A more efficient use of public parking space to promote continued economic vitality.
Land Use Development
The Palo Alto Central development built in early 1980s at California Avenue and Park Blvd
was the first transit-oriented development in Santa Clara County. The recently adopted
California Avenue PTOD continues to promote mixed-use activity on and along California
Avenue; over 400 residential units are planned or were recently built. This project will serve
as a catalyst towards continued redevelopment by providing an environment that is
conducive towards pedestrian and bicycle activities.
Table 1 highlights the private development projects immediately within the project area
and their status. Attachment 4 also demonstrates Housing Density & Occupancy by Block
Group and Locations of Proposed Housing Development Activity.
Page I 6
California Av -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements
Valley Transportation Authority -COT Program
Table 1: Residential & Mixed-Use Development in the Project Area
1 Sunrise Senior Housing Built 81 1000
2 195 Page Mill (Apts) Planning 84 1400
3 2051 EI Camino Real (Apts) Built 2 1100
4 Stanford Mayfield (Condos) Planning 70 200
5 Stanford Mayfield (SFH) Planning 180 3000
7 2650 Birch St (Condos) Planning 4 850
8 385 Sherman St (Condos) Planning 3 400
9 420 Cambridge A v Planning 4 400 (townhomes)
Total Planned Residential Units: 428
Public Transportation Connectivity
The project area is located immediately adjacent to existing and future transit facilities of
regional significance including the existing Caltrain -California Avenue Station, the existing
EI Camino Real Transit Routes, future EI Camino Real Bus Rapid Transit Station, and local
Stanford University Marguerite and VTA routes. These existing public transit uses provide
direct transit access to some of the most influential and renowned private facilities in the
world including Stanford University Research Park, Hewlett-Packard and Facebook to name
just a few. Planned business expansion from companies such as Facebook, America Online,
and Hewlett-Packard are anticipated in 2011 near California Avenue.
The funding of the California Avenue Trans Hub Corridor Enhancement project will help to
sustain and promote growth of public transit activities by providing a comfortable and safe
plaza for traveling between transit stations while at the same time helping to build a new
identity for the California Avenue PTOD community. California Avenue provides the highest
Proposed Cal Av amount of bicycle boarding's to a Caltrain station in the region
Pedestrian Alley Enhancements with over 60 peak hour bike trips and another on-going 30 non-
peak bike trips on a daily basis (Aug 2010 data). Weekend
bicycle activity is even higher with regular Farmer's Market
activities on California Avenue between EI Camino Real and Ash
Street within the project area; an optional Community Stage near
Ash Street will help to promote these types of continued
activities and provide opportunities for longer-term street
closure to sustain community and economic development
activities.
Enhancements to alleys along the corridor will be provided to .
help enhance pedestrian connections to existing surface parking
lots and to link and promote redevelopment to adjacent streets.
Page I 7
California Av -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements
Valley Transportation Authority -CDT Program
3. PROJECT READINESS
The City has developed the California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Enhancement project
through an on-going dialogue with the California Avenue business and residential
communities. The project is ready to move forward into the environmental and design
stages if the construction phase is funded by the VTA CDT program. Historical information
regarding the City's public outreach process for the project is available at:
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/pwd/news/details.asp?NewsID=1394&TargetID=145
The environmental stage is envisioned to be a relatively minor process with a focus on a
transportation study to validate the proposed 4-to 2-lane reduction and provide
recommendations for traffic improvements to adjacent streets. Traffic counts collected by
the City do not show any significant impact with the lane reduction on California Avenue.
Upon award of grand funding for the project, the City will complete all necessary CEQA and
NEPA clearances to satisfy the requirements of the Caltrans Environmental Review process.
There are also no drainage or tree impacts to existing facilities and the project provides an
increase in on-street parking availability. The project is entirely with the City right-of-way
and no new permits or easements are needed.
To expedite the project, the City will fund both the environmental and design stages of the
project so that when funding becomes available in February 2012 the City can immediately
move forward with construction.
4. PROJECT BENEFIT
The City conducted an extensive community outreach process for the develoment of this
project with merchants, property owners and local residents. The concept plans were
developed with input from the City's Bicycle Advisory Committee and with the general
public through citywide community meetings. Pending environmental review, the project
is supported largely by the public.
Our project sponsor, Caltrain, identifies the benefits of the project through the continued
promotion of the California Avenue Station and its ties to existing and regional transit
facilities including Bus Rapid Transit, local community shuttles, and the California High
Speed Rail connection.
Page I 8
California Av -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements
Valley Transportation Authority -CDT Program
The following is a partial list of most important benefits that the project will provide
consistent with the COT Program -Best Practice Principles and local planning documents:
• Integrate Transit and Create a Multimodal Transportation System
The project links existing public transit facilities along EI Camino Real with the eXisting
California Avenue Caltrain Station both visually and functionally through aesthetic and
functional traffic calming treatments along California Avenue. These improvements will
be extremely important as the VTAs Bus Rapid Transit project, promoted in the regional
Grand Boulevard Initiative project vision.
Of the 34 train stations along the Peninsula, the California Avenue Caltrain station ranks
11th in ridership. Caltrain recently completed platform improvements at the station
along with adding a pedestrian tunnel that allows passengers to safely access platforms
on both sides of the tracks. This has allowed Caltrain to increase the number of train
stops at the California Avenue station and for the bus line activity on California to
increase as well, increasing inter-model transit opportunities.
Existing transit and shuttle facilities on California Avenue are maintained and enhanced
by the addition· of concrete bus pads, custom preformed thermoplastic markers with
VTA and Stanford Marguerite logos, and shelter enhancements at Park Avenue.
• Intensity Land use and
Activities
Plaza
Pedestrian
Proposed within the
project is the
redevelopment of the
California Avenue Plaza
that provides direct access
to the Caltrain station and
a pedestrian and bicycle
undercrossing connection
to the east side of Alma
Street.
The city views the redevelopment of the plaza as a significant community feature to that
will both help to promote land use activities and promote continued use of public
transit including Caltrain, VTA and the Stanford Marguerite shuttle.
The city has budgeted approximately $300,000 in the project budget for the renovation
of the plaza as part of this project. The City and Caltrain have been in discussion
designed to seek cooperative service improvements such as the relocation of the 42
bike lockers that are owned and managed by Caltrain off of the existing plaza and onto
Page I 9
California Av -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements
Valley Transportation Authority -CDT Program
the Caltrain surface lot or the station platforms providing for unique opportunities to
revitalize the plaza into a pedestrian and bicycle focused amenity for the community.
The City plans to implement decorative bike lo~kers with canopy shelters and
information kiosks to bring awareness and use of local and regional bicycle facilities.
The tunnel at the plaza connects North California Avenue to California Avenue serving
over 2,000 pedestri~ns and bicyclists per day, including many school-aged children
whom walk or bike to school. Angled parking along the plaza will be relocated creating
opportunities to redistribute the existing bike racks and additional ones around a
mature grove of trees complimented with game tables and seating areas that will help
the plaza to become a vibrant pedestrian plaza and gateway feature for this end of
California Avenue.
• Establish Streets as Places -Traffic Calming
The project provides for a 4-to 2-vehicle travel lane reduction that is supplemented by
visual separation of street uses including travel lanes and parking lanes through the use
of 3-ft wide colored concrete or paver bands. This decorative band also serves to
continue the promotion of a unique "sense of place" for the transit corridor through the
continuation of color palettes used in the new markers.
The project corridor has four existing mid-block crossing locations, three of those
locations will be upgraded to raised crosswalk tables that will be constructed out of
colored concrete that matches the paver band colors separating the vehicle travel lanes
from_the parking lanes. The raised crosswalk tables will include decorative score marks
and patterns that will be developed through a community process as part of the on
going design of the project. The raised table crosswalks will also include pedestrian
activated flashing beacon warning systems for enhanced pedestrian awareness, visibility
and safety.
• Focus on Existing Areas and Design in Context
The project will install Sharrow bicycle facilities to promote the continued sharing of
travel lanes between vehicles and bicyclists. The Sharrow use with proposed angled
parking along California Avenue was proposed by the City due to the significant amount
of bicycle activity to and from the Caltrain Station. To further ensure bicycle safety for
the corridor, the decorative 3-ft paver band that separates the vehicle travel lanes from
the parkfng lanes and raised concrete crosswalk tables will help to reduced vehicle
speeds and provide constant reminders to motorists as to the presence of bicycle
activity in the roadway. A removal or conversion of angled parking to accommodate
bicycle lanes facilities was not supported by the community or the City's PABAC. PABAC
is in support of the Sharrow with angled parking concept.
Page I 10
California Av -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements
Valley Transportation Authority -COT Program
Pedestrian-scaled improvements include bulb-outs throughout the corridor that will
help to reduce ve~icle speeds, provide locations for the installation of unique elements
for pedestrians such as the illuminated markers or large shade trees to provide a more
comfortable environment for travelers between transit stations.
• Manage Parking
Throughout the corridor
there are also additional
amenities that will be
provided within the
existing sidewalk zones
including decorative park
benches, trash/recycle
receptacles, consolidating
news racks and
information kiosks.
This project provides for strategic place making elements while better managing and
increasing parking availability, uses that would typically conflict with one another. The
proposed project provides an additional 24 on-street parking spaces throughout the
project area.
• Public Art
California Avenue has 14 distinctive pieces of public art including a fountain that is
currently undergoing redevelopment through a separate project. The pieces are in good
condition and will help to promote California Avenue as an attractive transit corridor.
Where public art seating treatments can be expanded as part of the proposed street
plan line.
• Sustain ability
The City of Palo Alto is committed to sustainability and has adopted "green" policies and
cost-benefit analysis to achieve environmental benefits. Accordingly, the City intends to
include as many sustainable design features as possible in the project including drought
resistant landscaping, "smart" irrigation systems, benches made from recycle materials,
and recycling container~.
Page I 11
California Av -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements
Valley Transportation Authority -COT Program
SECTION THREE: ATTACHMENTS
Attachment
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Description
CDT Grants Project Review Checklist
California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements -Plan Line
Project Map with Transit Overlay
Local Land Use and Development Activity Map
VTA Project Schedule and Cost Estimate Form
City of Palo Alto Project Schedule
Photographs Depicting Existing Conditions
Illustrations of Proposed Street furniture
Illustrations of Park Blvd Plaza Improvements
Letters of Support
Page 12
ATTACHMENT 1.. CDT GRANTS PROJECT REVIEW CHECKLIST
VTA is required to review and approve the final project designs for eDT Capital
Grants projects to ensure that projects are consistent with the conceptual designs
submitted as part of a sponsor's application to VT A. Please initial the following and
have the City Manager sign off and date at the end of the checklist.
1. Project Sponsor will provide VTA with an apopted council resolution within 3
months after eDT Program approval. ~0(l.
2. Project Sponsor will invite VTA to all design development meetings.· .ju~
3. Project Sponsor will obtain CEQA and NEP A clearance for the project.
~o'L
4. Project Sponsor will complete a field review through Caltrans Local Assistance
within 6 months of VTA grant approval. JuJ...
5. Project Sponsor will provide VTA with photographs of the existing cc;mditions of .
the project. _.J.iJ~1~_
6. Project Sponsor will meet with VTA to review project design at 35%, 65%, and
100% and allow VTA to comment on the plans. ~0~·
7. Project Sponsor will send a·final PS & E package to VTA for design review
approval and Caltrans Local Assistance for final approval. _JJ:_.Q __ _
8. Project Sponsor will obligate all federal funds by February 1, of the year of
programming. To obligate funds, Project Sponsor must receive an E-76 for
construction. _~_[l_. __
9. Project Sponsor will advertise the project and award a construction c·ontract
immediately after receipt of B-76 for construction. . Jo\L.
10. Project Sponsor will construct the project within 2 years after receipt of E-76 for
construction. jJu.. . .
11. Project Sponsor will invite VTA to participate in any public ceremonies held in
co~ection with the project. ... ~c) 0-
12. Project Sponsor will acknowledge VTA'sJunding contribution on all on-site
project signage and on all printed materials distributed to the public that are
related to the project. ~0(l--·
q. 10: Il)
:Sate
/
1···1 .-
I ~L I
Attachment 2
California Av -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements Project
DRAFT Plan Line
Seating Area
1>7" ~
-'" -' :----~--
:'L" ,Iiii'" -~ ~,."'i." ... ,' __ ,' .• 't;, , .-,,.....-~ ,~ ......
.-~~;~-'._~:ji: ~I e;r...
60-Degree Parking Spaced at 9-FT
Existing Parking SRaces : 111
Proposed Parking Spaces: 135
Plaza Option 1 Plaza Option 2
f'!!' ',-.,' ~;-'. =: "
, ··~~·'I
':"",":._', ,!
'C--_.~,~.-"~~'.: +4 ,,~~ 1
~J,-~::':'i-7.'~' . "/'
: -. r: .~ .-.
' . -1 .. :~~~ ~ --:.~ ~ "--'~. _~.~ :t L...lt....-.'>o
Hanover St
~ 0 500 1.000
'\ -=:::J 1 inch equals 1,000 feet
2,000 3,00D -Feet
California Avenue Area
Designated Bikeway and Transit Map
/Attachment 3
"Note: Priority Development Area (PDA)
Date: March 2010
Sources: 2000 Census of Population and Housing data,
Census Block Groups, and City of Palo Alto Planning Division '\...~
o 0.25 05 " . . 1
1 inch equals 0.25 miles I Miles
California Avenue Area Neighborhoods
Housing Density and Occupancy By Block Group and
Locations of Proposed Housing
IAttachment 41
ATTACHMENT 5 VTA Rev1 -102610
PROJECT COST AND SCHEDULE ESTIMATES
City/Town of Palo Alto
Contact Name: Jaime Rodriguez
Contact Phone: 650-329-2136
Contact email: jaime.rodriguez@cityofpaloalto.org
Project Title: California Avenue-Transit Hub Corridor Enhancement
PROJECT COST
PROJECT FUNDS LOCAL LOCAL OTHER FUNDS
PHASE REQUESTED MATCH $ MATCH % TYPE/$
ENV $ -$ 25,000 100.0%
$
PSE $ -$ 200,000 100.0%
$
ROW N/A N/A N/A
$
CON $ 1,175,200 $ 325,000 22.0%
$
TOTAL $ 1,175,200 $ 550,000
-
-
-
-
PROJECT SCHEDULE
(rnm/yy)
START DATE END DATE
02/11 10/11
N/A N/A
02/12 09/12
City of Palo Alto -California Avenue
Project Schedule
Last Update: October 4,2010
No
1
2
3
8
9
10
11
12
Street Resurfacing Design
35% Design
Comm Meeting #1
65% Design
Comm Meeting #2
13 95% Design
14 Comm Meeting #3
1S 100°1. P S&E
16 Submittal of PS&E
17 E-761ssuancG -18 CounCi l Approval 01 Bid Docs
19 Advertise
20 Review of Bids
ATTACHMENT 6
2115/11
10114/11
3/14111
3/28/11
4/11/11
4/25/11
5/20/11
5/25/11
10114111
California Avenue-Transit Hub Corridor Enhancement project
Existing Conditions
California Avenue Business District entrance from EI Camino Real
California Avenue looking west towards EI Camino Real
Attachment 7
Mid block crosswalk between Ash and Birch, looking east towards the Caltrain Station
California Avenue looking west towards El Camino Real
Attachment 7
Plaza
Attachment 7
Proposed Street Furniture
Bike Racks
Trash/recycling receptacles
Attachment 8
Option 1
Option 2
Attachment 9
Illustrations of Plaza Improvements
PABAC
PaloAlto,licyele,.AclvlsaI!Y Commltt.e
September 23, 2010
Jamie Rodriguez
Chief Transportation Official
Planning & Transportation Division
City of Palo Alto
P.O. Box 10250
Palo Alto CA 94303
Re: Community Design and Transportation (CDT) application: California Avenue Streetscape
Improvements project
Dear Mr. Rodriguez:
The Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC) is pleased to support the City's
application for the Community Design and Transportation (CDT) grant, sponsored by the Valley
Transportation Authority (VT A). PABAC endorsed the preliminary concept plan and proposal to
apply for CDT funds for the project.
The committee strongly believes that the plan would improve safety for bicyclists and
pedestrians, and address the need for improved and additional bicycle parking. P ABAC believes
the reduction in lanes from two to one in each direction, and the conversion of parallel parking to
diagonal parking will not be a hazard for bicyclists. The new 2-lane street configuration will
provide a more comfortable travel way to be shared between vehicles and bicycles. The roadway
widths will continue to be more than sufficient to permit bicyclists to avoid parked cars and to
permit drivers to pass cyclists on the left, as they do now.
The proposed improvements will make California Avenue more conducive to cycling, an
improvement that would be greatly appreciated by all bicyclists.
PABAC looks forward to further opportunities to provide input as this project moves forward.
Cedric de La Beaujardiere
Chair, Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee
PALO ALTO HOUSING
C C> R P C> R A. T J C> N
725 Alma Street • Palo Alto, CA 94301 • (650) 321-9709 • Fax (650) 321-4341
September 28, 2010
Mayor Pat Burt and Members of the City Council
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto,CA 94301
Re: Community Design and Transportation (CDT) Grant
California Avenue Streetscape Improvements
Dear Mayor Burt and Members of the City Council:
Palo Alto Housing Corporation (PAHC) is a private non-profit public benefit corporation that develops,
builds, acquires and manages low-and moderate-income housing. With almost 700 units owned and
managed by its related entities, it is the largest private owner of affordable rental housing In Palo Alto.
Two of PAHC's developments are in the area to be affected by the proposed improvements in the
application for California Avenue. PAHC supports this grant application.
The population that PAHC serves near the California Avenue area includes families with children, the
elderly, and those living with disabilities. California Park Apartments, at 2301 Park Boulevard, is adjacent
to the California Caltrain Station. Its residents are families with maximum incomes of 600/0 of area
median income. The Sheridan Apartments at 360 Sheridan Avenue is approximately four blocks away,
serving elderly and disabled residents with incomes that average 40 0/0 of the area median Income. Low
to moderate income homeowners reside in Birch Court Condominiums at Birch and Grant, which PAHC
built in 1985. Improvements in pedestrian access, safety and aesthetics along California Avenue will
directly benefit all of these residents.
The proposed improvements will create a more attractive gateway into the California Avenue area and
strengthen the connection to transit options. More broadly, these improvements would reinforce the
identity of this special district and enhance the quality of life for those living in the surrounding
neighborhoods.
Sincerely,
PALO ALTO HOUSING CORPORATION
;::t;Xa;:
Executive Director
Cc: James Keene, City Manager