HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec6CCPkt
City of Palo Alto (ID # 3359)
City Council Rail Committee Staff Report
Report Type: Meeting Date: 12/6/2012
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Rail Corridor Study
Title: Rail Corridor Study Review
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Planning and Community Environment
At the September 18, 2012 City Council hearing for the Rail Corridor Study, the City Council
unanimously voted to refer the study back to the Council Rail Committee for further review and
input. The City Council referred the item to the Committee to ensure that the documents
accurately reflect the City’s current position on Caltrain, the High Speed Rail project and the Rail
Committee Guiding Principles given all of the recent changes and events. A summary of the
Council’s comments are provided below.
Important to reconcile proposed Comprehensive Plan changes with current rail issues.
Need to reflect most current discussion regarding rail improvements, including Caltrain
and Guiding Principles.
Update diagram to show full impact of rail crossings along Alma.
Need context sensitive solution regarding rail impact for neighborhoods. Need to
consider all neighborhoods equally when examining potential impacts, and then
mitigate appropriately.
Need to acknowledge that modernization includes more than electrification. The
potential impacts of electrification have not yet been identified, analyzed or mitigated.
Need to be careful regarding grade separation and potential impacts.
Should clarify that elevated crossings are not acceptable.
Concern regarding the Mitigated Negative Declaration regarding aesthetics and cultural
resources.
Concern about impact of town centers on neighborhoods.
Important to view the study as a guiding document, not prescriptive. Timing is critical
for future funding opportunities.
City of Palo Alto Page 2
Support for requirement for timely infrastructure.
Vision statement is very important piece.
Motion approved to refer the report and resolution to the Council Rail Committee.
In response to Council and the Council Rail Committee’s direction, a list of text changes based
on Council and Rail Committee comments is being provided as Attachment A. The text changes
were made to better align the document with the Council’s position on the Caltrain
Modernization project, the most recent Guiding Principles and concern regarding potential
grade separated crossings. The strikeouts indicate deletion and the underlined text are
proposed additions. These text changes may need to be further updated as the Rail Committee
continues to refine the Guiding Principles. With that in mind, staff is requesting feedback from
the Council Rail Committee on the proposed text changes and input regarding further changes
that may be necessary.
Attachments:
Attachment A - List of Text Revisions (DOC)
Attachment B - P. 4.11 Figure 4.5 (PDF)
LIST OF TEXT REVISIONS FOR THE RAIL CORRIDOR STUDY REPORT
November 28, 2012
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Page ES-03, last full paragraph
ISSUES
Regardless of the final outcome of proposals to upgrade modernize Caltrain operations or add
high speed train service to the Caltrain corridor on the Peninsula, the study area has many
existing issues that should be addressed.
Page ES.04, second bullet under “Rail Corridor”
The preferred alternative for any rail improvements or expansion is the Below-Grade
Open Trench alignment.
Improve all rail crossings to provide the highest possible level of safety and convenience.
Grade-separated crossings, if feasible and fully mitigated, are preferred over at-grade
crossings.
SECTION 2
BACKGROUND
Page 2.08, second paragraph, second bullet
Caltrain Upgrade/Electrification Modernization (No HST)
Page 2.11, third paragraph
Economic Impacts of High Speed Rail and Caltrain Electrification Modernization in Palo
Alto (2011)
The City Council authorized a consultant to evaluate possible economic and property value
impacts associated with the proposed Caltrain Electrification Modernization Program and the
High Speed Rail as currently planned by the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
Third bullet
Grade separation, if supported by analysis, at every potential crossing for enhanced
safety, and vehicular circulation and reduced noise from horns and crossing bells. Fourth paragraph
Economic Impacts of Caltrain Electrification Modernization in Palo Alto
Due to the possibility that the HSR project will not proceed as currently envisioned, a separate
study analyzed economic and property value impacts in Palo Alto for Caltrain electrification
modernization as a stand-alone project. It was concluded that Caltrain electrification
modernization will produce net positive, but modest economic impacts in Palo Alto. Transit
service will improve as a result of electrification, which along with quieter trains that will have
lower vibrations and pollution emissions, will have a net positive impact on the community.
However, more travel delays for drivers at the at-grade crossings and visual impacts for
properties facing electrical facilities will occur. Therefore, all proposed changes must be fully
examined and suitable mitigation measures must be required.
Fifth paragraph
Role and Guiding Principles of the High Speed City Council Rail Committee of the Palo Alto
City Council (2010)(2012)
SECTION 4
CIRCULATION & CONNECTIVITY Page 4.04, third paragraph under “Task Force Recommendations for the Caltrain Corridor”
>> The Caltrain corridor should must be modified to improve safety and to minimize future
noise, vibration or visual impacts on adjoining districts and neighborhoods.
>> The existing at-grade crossings of the Caltrain corridor should be improved to provide
the highest possible level of safety and convenience. Grade separations are preferred, if
appropriate and supported by analysis. but iIn certain circumstances, upgraded, safe at-
grade crossings may be the only feasible option. Detailed engineering studies of trench,
grade separated and at-grade options are necessary and should include the potential
impact of increased train traffic and bicycle/pedestrian/vehicular traffic.
>> Additional safe and convenient crossings of the tracks and in some cases Alma Street as
well, are essential to provide connections from neighborhoods to destinations such as
schools, parks and services outside the study area. Engineering studies need to be
undertaken and analyzed. A variety of potential solutions should be studied including at-
grade and grade-separated options. Engineering studies need to be undertaken and
analyzed.
Page 4.10, second paragraph
Of particular importance is the physical impact that will likely result to properties and natural
resources adjoining Palo Alto Avenue, Churchill Avenue, West Meadow Drive, and West
Charleston Road as a result of if grade separations that may be are required to ensure safe and
convenient crossings and efficiency of rail operations. These grade separation impact areas are
illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 4.5. Page 4.11, Figure 4.5
Figure 4.5 (Attachment B) has been amended to show that the purple “impact zone” bars have
been extended in all directions on Alma Street.
SECTION 5
LAND USE & URBAN DESIGN
Page 5.18, fifth paragraph
Task Force Recommendations for Southgate/Evergreen Park Residential Subarea
The following recommendations are intended primarily to improve access for the neighborhood.
These access improvements are further described in Section 4 of this report.
>> New grade-separated pedestrian/bicycle crossing of the rail tracks, if supported by
technical studies as safe and feasible, should be provided at Peers Park. This could be a
bridge or trench cover if the trench alternative for rail improvements is constructed.
Page 5.19, fifth paragraph
Task Force Recommendations for Ventura Residential Subarea
In Ventura subarea, most of the recommendations focus on methods to improve access to parks,
open space and school facilities. These recommendations are further described in Section 4 of
this document
>> Provide improvements for pedestrians and bicycles at key intersections along El Camino
Real (Margarita/Matadero; Los Robles/El Camino Way), on routes that will provide
direct linkages to parks and schools to the west.
>> Provide a grade-separated pedestrian/bicycle linkage, if supported by technical studies
to be safe and feasible, to Hoover Park across the Caltrain tracks along Matadero Creek.
>> Identify an additional location for a safe grade-separated crossing of Alma Street and the
rail tracks between Matadero Creek and Meadow Drive.
Page 5.20, fourth paragraph
Task Force Recommendations for Charleston Meadow/Monroe Park Residential Subarea
Like the Ventura Residential Subarea, the Charleston Meadow/Monroe Park subarea suffers
from a lack of access to recreation and open space amenities or nearby schools. Consequently,
connections across the rail corridor and across El Camino are of particular importance.
>> Improve connections to other subareas and neighborhoods to ensure safe and convenient
access to schools and services.
>> Safe grade-separated crossings, that are supported by technical studies, of Alma Street
and the rail line for all travel modes at Charleston and Meadow to improve safety and
convenience are preferred.
>> Identify locations for a safe grade-separated crossing of Alma Street and the rail tracks
between Matadero Creek and Meadow Drive.
SECTION 6
NEXT STEPS & IMPLEMENTATION
Page 6.03-6.04
New Comprehensive Plan Policy Statements (from Attachment C, List of Text Changes, of the
September 18, 2012 City Council packet)
Goal 1: Rail Improvements Should be Constructed in a Below-Grade Trench.
Policy 1.1: The City's preferred vertical alignment for fixed rail in Palo Alto is below grade.
Policy 1.2: The City is opposed to an elevated alignment of rail in Palo Alto.
Policy 1.3: When examining the potential impacts of vertical rail alignments equal attention
shall be given to all Palo Alto neighborhoods. Adopted mitigation measures should be
proportionate to the impacts identified in the studies. All Neighborhoods in Palo Alto affected by
rail should be treated with equal consideration with respect to vertical alignment impacts.
Goal 2: Ensure the Highest Possible Safety at All Rail Crossings and Mitigate Rail Impacts on
Neighborhoods, Public Facilities, Schools and Mixed-use Centers.
Policy 2.1: Improve existing at-grade crossings. All at-grade crossings of the Caltrain corridor
should be improved to provide the highest possible level of safety and convenience. This may be
grade separations or safer at-grade crossings, with the preferred choice being grade separation,
if supported by technical studies.
Policy2.2: Provide additional safe and convenient crossings. Additional crossings of the tracks,
and in some cases Alma Street as well, are essential to provide connections from neighborhoods
to destinations such as schools, parks and services.
Policy2.3: Improve safety and minimize noise, vibrations and visual impacts of operations in the
Caltrain rail corridor. With or without the addition of a High Speed Train, the Caltrain corridor
should be modified to improve safety and to minimize noise, vibration and visual impacts on
adjoining districts, public facilities, schools and neighborhoods.
4.11
MAY 16, 2012
CIRCULATION & CONNECTIVITY
B
BB
CCC
Jane Lathrop Stanford M.S.HooverE.S.
ChallengerSch
StanfordUniversity
Palo Alto H.S.
Juana Briones E.S.TermanM.S.
BarronPark E.S.
El CarmeloE.S. Castilleja School
KeysSchool
FairmeadowE.S.
GreendellE.S.
Addison E.S.
AD
O
B
E
C
R
E
E
K
MAT
A
D
E
R
O
CRE
E
K
SAN
F
R
A
N
C
I
S
Q
U
I
T
O
CRE
E
K
MA
T
A
D
E
R
O
C
R
E
E
K
BA
R
R
O
N
C
R
E
E
K
SAN
F
R
A
N
C
I
S
Q
U
I
T
O
CRE
E
K
MITCHELL PARK HOOVER PARK
PEERS PARK
BOWLING GREEN PARKJOHNSON PARK
HERITAGE PARK
JERRYBOWDOINPARK
BOULWARE PARK
BRIONES PARK
MONROE PARK
TERMAN PARK
ROBLES PARK
STANFORDPALO ALTOPLAYING FIELDS
EL CAMINO PARK
EL PALOALTO PARK& TREE
COGSWELLPLAZALYTTON PLAZA
CUBBERLEYCOMMUNITY CTR
SARAH WALLISPARK
CAMERONPARK MAYFIELDPARK
VENTURA CMTY CTR
CASTILLEJA AVE
QUA
R
R
Y
R
O
A
D
ALMA STREET
EL CAMINO REAL
HOM
E
R
A
V
E
N
U
E
EMB
A
R
C
A
D
E
R
O
R
O
A
D
KEL
L
O
G
G
SEA
L
E
A
V
E
N
U
E
UNI
V
E
R
S
I
T
Y
A
V
E
N
U
E
ORE
G
O
N
E
X
W
Y
N C
A
L
I
F
O
R
N
I
A
A
V
E
UNIVERSITY CIRCLE
ARA
S
T
R
A
D
E
R
O
R
O
A
D
EL CAM
I
N
O
W
A
Y
MAY
B
E
L
L
A
V
E
ALMA STREET
MIDDLEFIELD ROADMIDDLEFIELD ROAD
CAL
I
F
O
R
N
I
A
A
V
E
N
U
E
PAG
E
M
I
L
L
R
O
A
D
LOS
R
O
B
L
E
S
A
V
E
N
U
E
MAR
G
A
R
I
T
A
A
V
E
MAT
A
D
E
R
O
A
V
E
COL
L
E
G
E
A
V
E
N
U
E
STA
N
F
O
R
D
A
V
E
N
U
E
CHA
R
L
E
S
T
O
N
R
O
A
D
PARK BLVD
EAS
T
PAG
E
M
I
L
L
R
D
EL CAMINO REAL
CHU
R
C
H
I
L
L
A
V
E
N
U
E
BRYANT STREET
ROA
D
ALTO
AVE
SAN
D
H
I
L
L
EVE
R
E
T
T
A
V
E
N
U
E
EL C
A
R
M
E
L
O
A
V
E
AVE
LOM
A
V
E
R
D
E
SAN
A
N
T
O
N
I
O
R
D
MEA
D
O
W
D
R
I
V
E
LINC
O
L
N
A
V
E
N
U
E
COL
O
R
A
D
O
A
V
E
HAW
T
H
O
R
N
E
A
V
E
N
U
E
LOW
E
L
L
A
V
E
N
U
E
HAN
S
E
N
W
A
Y
PAL
O
LYTT
O
N
A
V
E
N
U
E
PAR
K
B
L
V
D
SER
R
A
S
T
R
E
E
T
PAL
M
D
R
I
V
E
GAL
V
E
Z
ARB. RD ROA
D
HAM
I
L
T
O
N
A
V
E
N
U
E
FOR
E
S
T
A
V
E
N
U
E
CHA
N
N
I
N
G
A
V
E
N
U
E
ADD
I
S
O
N
A
V
E
N
U
E
EL V
E
R
A
N
O
A
V
E
WEL
L
S
AVE
MO
N
R
O
E
D
R
CES
A
N
O
C
T
DEL
M
E
D
I
O
A
V
E
FER
N
E
A
V
E
SAN
A
N
T
O
N
I
O
AVE
SAN
A
N
T
O
N
I
O
R
D
1/2-mile
1/2-mile
1/2-mile
1/2-mile
1/2-mile
E EE E EE E E E E EPPPP
Figure 4.5: Two-Track On-Grade Configuration: Crossing and Impact Area Locations
Legend
Street Undercrossing Impact Area (approx.)
Priority Safety Crossing Improvement Area (Existing Grade Crossings)
Vehicular, Bicycle & Pedestrian Crossing
Bicycle & Pedestrian Crossing
Critical Intersection for Improvement (School Commute Corridors Adopted by City Council, 2004)
Existing Crossing (See dot color for type)
Potential Crossing Study Area Boundary (Approximate, see description p. 2.01)Public ParkSchoolCreek
Potential Future BRT Station
Caltrain Station
1/2-mile Radius Transit Service Area
CB
E
P
0’ 1,250’ 2500’
NOTES:
1. Some existing crossings shown exist but need improvement. The colored dots indicate the preferred type of
crossing.
2. It is desirable to have a balanced approach along the entire rail corridor for east-west connections. However,
land use (existing homes) and discontinuous streets create considerable difficulty in identifying additional
crossings in the south. Further studies are recommended to explore additional connectivity opportunities across
the rail lines in south Palo Alto.
3. Legend definitions are intended only to illustrate potential locations and impacts for grade separations. Further
studies are needed to determine feasibility and impacts.
Revised June 13, 2012