HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2405-3041CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, June 10, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
4:00 PM
Agenda Item
12.Hearing on Written Protests Against Proposed Discontinuance of a portion of El Camino
Park; and Adopt a Resolution and Ordinance Approving a Ballot Measure for the
Discontinuance of a portion of El Camino Park and Calling a Special Election on
November 5, 2024; CEQA status - statutorily exempt per Pub. Res. Code § 21080(b)(12).
Supplemental Report added
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: Transportation
Meeting Date: June 10, 2024
Report #:2405-3041
TITLE
Hearing on Written Protests Against Proposed Discontinuance of a portion of El Camino Park;
and Adopt a Resolution and Ordinance Approving a Ballot Measure for the Discontinuance of a
portion of El Camino Park and Calling a Special Election on November 5, 2024; CEQA status -
statutorily exempt per Pub. Res. Code § 21080(b)(12).
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Hear and pass upon all valid written protests received by the Clerk regarding the
proposed discontinuance of a portion of El Camino Park to construct a roadway for
transit vehicles;
2. Sustain or overrule (majority vote) the protests; and
3. If protests are overruled, adopt the attached ordinance and resolution calling for a
special election on November 5, 2024 and submit to the voters a ballot measure of
whether to discontinue the park use of approximately 0.33 acres of El Camino Park for
the purpose of constructing a roadway for transit vehicles between El Camino Real and
the Palo Alto Transit Center
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report presents a proposal to construct a roadway for transit vehicles from the intersection
of Quarry Road & El Camino Real to the Palo Alto Transit Center (PATC), through a currently
passive section of El Camino Park. The proposal would facilitate direct transit movement onto
and from El Camino Real, potentially reducing bus transit times by an estimated 5-8 minutes
per trip. This improvement will also alleviate congestion at the University Avenue/El Camino
Real interchange and University Circle by streamlining bus movements and mitigating the need
for buses to navigate through densely trafficked areas.
Concurrently, the proposal includes enhancements to pedestrian and bicycle paths within El
Camino Park and at the intersection of Quarry Road and El Camino Real. These enhancements
are designed to improve safety, access, and connectivity to the broader pedestrian and bicycle
network, encouraging greater use of these modes of transportation. The proposal aligns with
the upcoming Caltrain electrification project, which will alter train frequency and potential
increases in bus and shuttle services to meet service planning needs.
The City Council is asked to review conceptual plans for this proposed transit connection and to
consider taking the formal steps toward undedicating a portion of El Camino Park needed for
the project's implementation. This would involve approving a ballot measure for the November
2024 election to repurpose a specified area of the park for the transit connection. This parkland
undedication can also be considered within the context of other parkland dedication efforts
citywide. The project is supported by various goals and policies outlined in the Palo Alto
Comprehensive Plan, emphasizing the improvement of transportation infrastructure and
multimodal connectivity.
The estimated construction cost for the proposed project is roughly $4.3 million, with efforts
underway to secure funding through external sources, including the Metropolitan
Transportation Commission (MTC). The outcome of the electoral process and subsequent
design development will dictate the project's timeline and final implementation steps.
BACKGROUND
Transit and Shuttle Service at the Palo Alto Transit Center
The Palo Alto Transit Center (PATC) is the mobility hub of Palo Alto and has the second highest
Caltrain ridership on the corridor. SamTrans, Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority (VTA), AC
Transit, and Dumbarton Express all run buses to the PATC to complement Caltrain service and
connect Palo Alto to San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, and the East Bay, respectively.
Additionally, Stanford’s Marguerite shuttle service and other private shuttles provide last-mile
connections from the PATC to campus facilities for employees and visitors.
In total, roughly 600 buses serve the transit center daily; roughly half are Marguerite shuttles.
Transfers from Marguerite shuttles account for approximately 40 percent of Caltrain daily
boardings at the transit center.
Bus and shuttle services use a combination of 10 bus bays and curbside space at the PATC,
including in University Circle. Public transit service is restricted to the use of bus bays – bays are
assigned to specific operators and lines – and shuttles use stops along the curb of University
Circle. Employer and Stanford Health Care shuttles pick-up and drop-off in a parking area on the
Palo Alto side of the station along Alma Street. The station area also accommodates layovers
for bus and shuttle service.
Caltrain electrification is currently scheduled to begin in fall 2024. Electrification will alter train
service to every 15 minutes during the peak periods in each direction and from one (1) to two
(2) trains per hour per direction during off peak periods, including weekends. Bus and shuttle
services are likely to increase to align with Caltrain service.
The station is also a significant source for bicycle trips on Caltrain. Bicycle equipped passengers
at the PATC are estimated to be between 750-800 per day. Palo Alto is the second highest
bicycle ridership stop along the Caltrain corridor at roughly 14 percent of all bicycle boardings
and alightings (descending or disembarking from the train), second only to 4th/King in San
Francisco. Assuming 10 percent of daily passengers travel in the peak hour, the Palo Alto Transit
Center serves roughly 75-80 Caltrain bicycle passengers/hour during the peak hour.
Recognizing the significance of the Palo Alto Transit Center serving as the main gateway to both
the City of Palo Alto and Stanford, Stanford is committed to working in collaboration with the
City and transit partners on a long-term visioning process to study both how the transit center
and Stanford’s adjacent parcels (27 University, 400 Mitchell) might function better and explore
new future uses that could be implemented. This will include community input as part of the
public process.
Proposed Roadway Connection
As envisioned in the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan as Program T3.10.4 (2017), the proposed
roadway would create a direct transit connection between the transit center bus bays and El
Camino Real at Quarry Road through a passive portion of El Camino Park (see Attachment A).
The proposed project would allow buses that use the bus terminal to exit at Quarry Road to El
Camino Real rather than to circle back through University Avenue. The bus operators have
estimated savings of approximately 5-8 minutes per trip could be achieved by avoiding
University Circle and directly connecting with Quarry Road at El Camino Real.
The bus route reorganization would have secondary benefits to the University Avenue and
University Circle area by eliminating the need for some buses to make constrained turning
movements in the corridor. Articulated buses require additional turning radii to access the
transit center from University Avenue which regularly causes congestion and delays for
vehicular traffic and creates additional conflict points for bicycles and pedestrians at the
gateway to Downtown Palo Alto.
The project would also include multiple pedestrian and bicycle improvements within El Camino
Park adjacent to or near the proposed transit connection and at the intersection of Quarry Road
and El Camino Real. Specifically, the proposed project would:
•Upgrade the crossing of El Camino Real to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists on
both sides of Quarry Road, which would reduce crossing time; and
•Add safety and accessibility measures at the intersection of Quarry Road and El Camino
Real (e.g., curb extensions and tighter turning radii, new pedestrian/bicycle ramps,
pedestrian and bicycle refuge islands, and high visibility bicycle markings are currently
being considered).Through the above improvements, there would be enhanced visibility
of the existing multi-modal path to the transit center and its connections to the existing
Class 1 multi-modal path that connects to El Camino Park and into Menlo Park, through
the PATC to the Embarcadero Bike Path, and to the Stanford Perimeter Trail. These
connectivity improvements would also make the active park facilities in El Camino Park
more accessible for bikes, pedestrians and transit riders.
Designs for the roadway connection are in the early stages, but all feasible options are
under consideration, ranging from a new connection providing full access to buses
between the transit center and El Camino Real to an outbound-only transit lane. The
conceptual design under consideration is illustrated in Attachment B. The preliminary
concept design includes 12.5 foot wide inbound and outbound transit travel lanes (188
feet and 163 feet in length, respectively), with six-inch curbs, separated by a landscaped
median that ranges in width between 18-33 feet that would house existing utilities.1
The utilities accommodated in the median are illustrated in Attachment C.
The projected area needed to implement this extension is approximately 0.24 acres,
including 0.10 acres of a landscaped median that, although part of the project area,
would remain in its current state. Voter approval would be requested to discontinue use
for park purposes of a slightly larger area—approximately 0.33 acres total—as minor
shifts in the location of the proposed project may be required as project plans are
finalized, to better meet access, circulation, and other goals. The additional 0.09-acre
area represents a ten-foot-wide buffer around the projected location of the
improvements at the current conceptual design stage (see Attachment D). Following
completion of project construction, the City would anticipate re-dedicating for park
purposes the portion of the discontinued area that was not needed for the project. As
such, these figures conservatively reflect the maximum exposure, though pending final
design may have a smaller impact.
The proposed project could require the removal of approximately 15 trees, and there
are an additional three trees in the project buffer area. The project could include
lighting, benches, signage and low level, drought tolerant landscape planting, mulch,
and additional tree planting. A conceptual landscaping plan will be developed in the
next phase of the project. If any tree removal is needed, replacement per City ordinance
will occur. Any lighting and planting would be harmonious and compatible with the
existing conditions in El Camino Park.
Other modifications and improvements could include, but are not limited to, wayfinding
signs, additional striping and green bike lanes to help identify buffered lanes and
highlight any potential conflict areas between buses, transit and bicyclists in the
corridor, crosswalk striping, and refuge islands.
April 22, 2024 City Council Meeting
During the April 22, 2024 City Council meeting, staff presented the proposal and the need to
undedicate a portion of El Camino Park. The meeting included a review of the concept plans
and the adoption of a Resolution of Intention to undedicate the necessary parkland. The
Council discussed the potential benefits, including reduced bus transit times, alleviated
congestion, and improved multimodal connectivity.
Resolution of Intention:
The Council adopted a Resolution of Intention to undedicate approximately 0.33 acres of El
Camino Park for the project. This resolution set a public hearing for June 10, 2024, to address
any formal written protests regarding the proposed discontinuance of the parkland. The
resolution also contained a finding that the proposed project is statutorily exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Pub. Res. Code § 21080(b)(12).
ANALYSIS
El Camino Park consists of approximately 10.75 acres of land and is leased by Stanford to the
City under a 1915 lease that currently is set to expire in June 2042. The Park has been dedicated
by the City by ordinance for recreational and conservation purposes. Palo Alto Ordinance No.
2252 (Sept. 13, 1965); Palo Alto Municipal Code § 22.08.230 & Ex. A-19.
The proposed project would develop a strip of the underused, passive portion of El Camino Park
to provide a direct transit connection to the transit center, where bike and pedestrian access
are currently occurring. This area of the park does not have playing fields but does provide
circulation throughout that serves the park. The project improves multi-modal movement to
and through the park. The proposed transit connection would enhance the use and enjoyment
of El Camino Park and the recreational amenities provided to the residents of Palo Alto and the
surrounding communities.
Additional Bicycle/Pedestrian Visibility and Bicycle Connectivity
High visibility bicycle and pedestrian crossings included in this project will enhance bicycle and
pedestrian visibility and bicycle connectivity at the existing El Camino Real intersection
connecting the PATC and Quarry Road. The existing bike path from the PATC to the Quarry Road
/ECR intersection provides critical east-west access for bicyclists and pedestrians between the
Palo Alto Transit Center, Downtown, the Stanford Shopping Center, and the Stanford Medical
Center. This intersection is also a gateway for cyclists traveling north and south on the multi-use
paths along both sides of El Camino Real, including the City's path to Menlo Park on the east
side and the Stanford Perimeter Trail on the west side. Access to these important paths that
allow cyclists to travel car-free in all directions would be enhanced by El Camino Real
intersection upgrade that includes green bike lane markings and signage.
The proposed roadway connection aims to enhance the Palo Alto area through various
improvements and modifications. The potential impacts and considerations include:
•Enhanced pedestrian and bicycle paths within El Camino Park and at the intersection of
Quarry Road and El Camino Real, aiming to improve safety, access, and connectivity. The
proposed project includes high visibility crossings and green bike lane markings to facilitate
east-west and north-south travel for cyclists and pedestrians, connecting key areas such as
the Palo Alto Transit Center, Downtown, the Stanford Shopping Center, and the Stanford
Medical Center.
•Potential to augment the park's recreational facilities by improving connections to existing
paths, thereby integrating the park more effectively into the regional pedestrian and bicycle
network.
•A direct transit connection between the transit center bus bays and El Camino Real could
streamline bus traffic, potentially reducing congestion and emissions in the vicinity of the
park and improving the overall circulation environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
•Activation of underused areas of the park through thoughtful design, which could enhance
safety and usability of the space.
•Improved functionality of the Palo Alto Transit Center by facilitating more efficient bus and
shuttle service operations, which could benefit public transportation users accessing the
park and surrounding areas.
Challenges and considerations for the project include:
•Removal of trees and changes to green spaces, which will require thoughtful strategies to
address.
•Funding and budget considerations, as the estimated construction cost is roughly $4.3
million, with efforts to secure funding through external sources.
•Caltrans review and approval of this project will be necessary, which will not occur until
after voter approval of the ballot measure in November 2024.
Discontinuance of Parkland Use
Consideration of the required El Camino Park undedication for the proposal can be considered
within the city's actions related to adding parkland to the City’s existing parks inventory. The
Parks and Recreation Commission has established an ad hoc committee and has been working
with staff to identify appropriate locations to dedicate city-owned property as parkland. The
recent unanimous decision by the City Council on March 4 to dedicate the 0.2-acre Tower Well
site as parkland, characterized by its historical water tower and naturalistic elements, is the
most recent example of new parkland dedication. The recent dedication, along with ongoing
evaluations for further parkland dedications, were considered and discussed by the Stanford Ad
Hoc Committee.
The project was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) meeting at their
March 2024 meeting. The PRC had the following questions related to the proposed project:
•Will the trees to be removed be replaced?
•Will the Olympic Grove Redwood Trees be impacted?
•What vegetation currently exists within the project area?
•Will the project look at cumulative impacts of other transportation projects in the
area?
•Would there be adverse impacts to the fields due to the buses such as vibration?
Some members of the PRC noted that the project will create a roughly 1.0 acre of El Camino
Park that is separated from the rest of the park by the new access road making that area
unusable. They requested that an additional acre of land be dedicated by Stanford to
compensate for this area being separated from the rest of the park.
Other comments were related to reducing lighting, ensuring new plantings are native species,
and increase in air pollution exposure to field users, especially children. Overall, the
commission's feedback highlighted a balance between recognizing the project's benefits and
addressing environmental and community concerns.
Article VIII of the Palo Alto City Charter governs dedicated parklands and states as follows:
•All lands owned or controlled by the city which are or will be used for park, playground,
recreation or conservation purposes shall be dedicated for such purposes by ordinance.
•No land heretofore or hereafter dedicated for such purposes shall be sold or otherwise
disposed of, nor shall its use be abandoned or discontinued except pursuant to majority
vote of the electorate. Any election and related procedures under Article VIII shall
conform to the provisions set forth in general law as it existed January 1, 1965, except
that the council may call such election by majority vote.
•No substantial building, construction, reconstruction or development upon or with
respect to any lands so dedicated shall be made except pursuant to ordinance subject to
referendum.
The proposed roadway does not qualify as a park purpose, as it will be used mostly to transit
through the park rather than access the park itself. Given that El Camino Park has been
dedicated by the City for recreational and conservation purposes, a majority vote of the
electorate is necessary to discontinue from park use the portion of El Camino Park that would
be used to facilitate transit circulation.
Voter approval would be requested to discontinue use for park purposes of approximately 0.33
acres. The preliminary design concept alternatives have estimated that up to 0.24 acres of
parkland would be required to accommodate the proposed transit connection, with an
additional 0.09 acres of buffer for project design that would be rededicated for park use after
project construction.
If there is no desire to undedicate parkland for the project, the current state of the Palo Alto
Transit Center (PATC) and the surrounding areas will remain unchanged. This means that the
existing transit operations, including the flow of buses and shuttles through the University
Circle and along University Avenue, will continue without the anticipated reduction in transit
times. Consequently, the potential benefits of alleviating congestion and improving connectivity
for pedestrians and cyclists, as outlined in the project proposal, will not be realized. The
parkland will retain its current recreational and conservation designation, and no changes to
the physical landscape of El Camino Park will occur as a result of the project.
Timeline
This item provides for the Palo Alto City Council to consider placing the proposed parkland
discontinuance on the ballot for the November 2024 election. If the ballot measure passes, the
City and Stanford will work with the transit agency stakeholders and Caltrans to further develop
construction plans, seek grant funding, and apply for necessary permits.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The preliminary cost estimate for constructing the proposed project is estimated to be roughly
$3.55 to $4.3 million but is dependent on ultimate design. These costs will be updated as the
design is advanced and construction documents are prepared. Funding is being pursued
through multiple venues, including, but not limited to MTC, and may not be identified until
after the ballot measure is considered by voters.
According to the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters, a ballot measure is estimated to be an
additional $85,341. This is estimated only based on projected registration and available
information. It is subject to change upon final billing of the actual charges after the election.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Stanford University has played a pivotal role in advancing the project, working in close
collaboration with City of Palo Alto staff. This partnership has been instrumental in the project's
development, ensuring that the proposed changes align with the broader transportation and
community goals of the area. Representatives of the University, staff, and the City Councils’
Stanford Ad Hoc Committee have discussed the proposed project in the broader context of
long-term opportunities at the Palo Alto Transit Center and El Camino Park. A letter of intent
has been discussed as a possible means to articulate joint interests on next steps. Once
finalized, this letter will be advanced for City Council consideration.
In addition to Stanford's involvement, there has been active coordination with the various
public transit operators that service the Palo Alto Transit Center (PATC). These operators
include Caltrain, SamTrans, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), AC Transit, and
the Dumbarton Express, all of which are integral to the regional transit network and have a
stake in the project's outcome due to its potential impact on their operations.
Furthermore, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) has been engaged in the
process, given its role in funding and planning for transportation projects across the Bay Area.
The MTC's involvement is crucial for securing the necessary funding and ensuring that the
project aligns with regional transportation strategies and priorities.
This project has also been recently reviewed by the CIty’s PRC and by the Pedestrian and Bicycle
Advisory Committee (PABAC).
The proposed Quarry Road Transit Connection Project would advance numerous
Comprehensive Plan policies and programs, as follows:
•Policy T-1.11 Encourage continued enhancement of the Caltrain stations as important
transportation nodes for the city.
•Program T1.11.1 Collaborate with Stanford University, VTA, Caltrain and other agencies
to pursue improvements to the Palo Alto Transit Center area aimed at enhancing the
pedestrian experience and improving circulation and access for all modes, including
direct access to El Camino Real for transit vehicles.
•Program T3.10.3 Provide safe, convenient pedestrian, bicycle and transit connections
between the Stanford Shopping Center/Medical Center areas and housing along the
Sand Hill Road/Quarry Road corridors to Palo Alto Transit Center, Downtown Palo Alto
and other primary destinations.
•Program T3.10.4 Pursue extension of Quarry Road for transit, pedestrians and bicyclists
to access the Palo Alto Transit Center from El Camino Real. Also study the feasibility of
another pedestrian and bicycle underpass of Caltrain at Everett Street.
•Policy T-8.2 Coordinate with local and regional agencies and Caltrans to maintain and
improve transportation infrastructure in Palo Alto, including the Multi-Modal Transit
Center.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The
proposed project comes within the statutory exemption for “facility extensions not to exceed
four miles in length which are required for the transfer of passengers from or to exclusive public
mass transit guideway or busway public transit services.” Pub. Res. Code § 21080(b)(12). Due to
its fixed location, Caltrain qualifies as an “exclusive public mass transit guideway” service. The
proposed project would extend the existing transit center facility by approximately 210 feet,
through the intersection of Quarry Road and El Camino Real, to facilitate the transfer of
passengers to Caltrain, among other public transit services.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Transit and Multi-model Connections
Attachment B: Conceptual Site Plan
Attachment C: Utilities in the Landscaped Median
Attachment D: Project Buffer
Attachment E: Resolution of Intention to Call an Election to Submit the Question of
Discontinuance of a Portion of El Camino Park as Dedicated Parkland
Attachment F: Ordinance Calling a Special Election for November 5, 2024 to Submit the
Question of Discontinuance of a Portion of El Camino Park as Dedicated Parkland
APPROVED BY:
Philip Kamhi, Chief Transportation Official
EL CAMINO REAL
PALO ROAD
PEAR LANE
QUARRYROAD
PALMDRIVE
MITCHELL LANE
City of Palo AltoUnincorporated Santa Clara County
EXISTINGPEDESTRIANTUNNELCaltrain Commuter Railway
ALMA STREET
!Î!Î!Î
EVERETT AVENUE
LYTTON AVENUE
UNIVERSITY AVENUE
400 Mitchell
Quarry Road Connection
Class 1 path with park amenities and lighting
COMPLETED 2017!Î
El Camino Park
Á
EL CAMINO REAL
UNIVERSITY AVENUE
VTA Terminal
Palo AltoTrain Terminal
MacArthurPark
Copyrightnearmap
Stanford University Land Use & Environmental PlanningPrepared: April 12, 2024, Aerial photo: March 2024LBRE Maps & Records, Quarry_Rd_Intermodal_Sta.mxd ¹
Exhibit 1:Quarry Road Connection Illustrative Concept Design
Project ImprovementExisting Path
0 150 Feet
ESDDIRIM 60.80
ESDDIRIM 61.17
BKF ENGINEERS
1730 N. FIRST STREETSUITE 600SAN JOSE, CA 95112
(408) 467-9100
www.bkf.com
FIG-1
04/17/2024
PALO ALTO, CA
PALO ALTO TRANSIT CENTER - QUARRY ROAD EXTENSION
BKF ENGINEERS
1730 N. FIRST STREETSUITE 600SAN JOSE, CA 95112
(408) 467-9100
www.bkf.com
FIG-2
04/17/2024
PALO ALTO, CA
PALO ALTO TRANSIT CENTER - QUARRY ROAD EXTENSION
ESDDIRIM 61.17
BKF ENGINEERS
1730 N. FIRST STREETSUITE 600SAN JOSE, CA 95112
(408) 467-9100
www.bkf.com
FIG-3
04/17/2024
PALO ALTO, CA
PALO ALTO TRANSIT CENTER - QUARRY ROAD EXTENSION: SITE CONSTRAINTS
8 | P a g e March 2024
Attachment C: Utilities in the Landscaped Median
9 | P a g e March 2024
Attachment D: Project Buffer
A 10-foot-wide project buffer is illustrated in red.
Not Yet Approved
112_20240530_ts24 1
Resolution No. ______
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto
Calling a Special Election for November 5, 2024 for Submittal to the Qualified Electors of the
City a Measure to Discontinue the Use of Approximately 0.33 Acres as Park Land at El Camino
Park
R E C I T A L S
A. The area known as El Camino Park is owned by the Board of Trustees of the Leland
Stanford Junior University (Stanford) and is leased to the City of Palo Alto (City) until June 30,
2042.
B. Article VIII of the Palo Alto Charter provides that “All lands owned or controlled by the
city which are or will be used for park, playground, recreation or conservation purposes shall be
dedicated for such purposes by ordinance.” Accordingly, the City adopted an ordinance
dedicating El Camino Park for park, playground, recreation, or conservation purposes, as codified
at Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) section 22.08.230. A legal description of El Camino Park is
codified as Exhibit A-19 to PAMC Title 22.
C. Article VIII of the Charter requires that “[n]o land heretofore or hereafter dedicated
for such purposes shall be sold or otherwise disposed of, nor shall its use be abandoned or
discontinued except pursuant to majority vote of the electorate. Any election and related
procedures under Article VIII shall conform to the provisions set forth in general law as it existed
January 1, 1965, except that the council may call such election by majority vote.” The Charter
includes the “provisions set forth in general law” in Appendix A to the Charter of the City of Palo
Alto.
D. The City Council proposes that the voters discontinue park use for an approximately
13,960 sq. foot (or approximately 0.33 acre) segment of El Camino Park to be used to build a road
connecting the adjacent Palo Alto Transit Center with El Camino Real, a state highway (the
“project”). This will allow buses, shuttles, and other transit vehicles to shorten the drive time to
and from the Transit Center and will encourage use of public transportation, among other
benefits. The proposed project will also include multiple pedestrian and bicycle improvements
adjacent to or near the proposed transit connection, including at the intersection of Quarry Road
and El Camino Real.
E. Construction of the project is contingent on state agency approval, finalization of
design, and obtaining adequate funding. If built, the project will remain under the terms of the
El Camino Park lease, meaning that it will be owned by Stanford and leased to the City until 2042.
Unless a new agreement is reached, the project and El Camino Park will thereafter revert to
Stanford.
F. On April 22, 2024, the City Council adopted a Resolution of Intention to Call an Election
to Submit the Question of Discontinuance of a Portion of El Camino Park as Dedicated Parkland
and setting June 10, 2024 for a Public Hearing for Protests.
G. In compliance with the City Charter, the City Council now desires to call and fix a
special election to submit to the city electors the question of the discontinuance of the use of
approximately 0.33 acres of park land at El Camino Park.
H. A proposed ordinance attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as
Attachment “A” (the “Ordinance”) would amend the Palo Alto Municipal Code to amend Exhibit
A-19 to PAMC Title 22 to amend the area commonly known as El Camino Park to reduce the
NOT YET APPROVED
2
dedicated area by approximately 0.33 acres.
I. By its Resolution No. XXXXX the City Council called a general municipal election for
November 5, 2024 (“Election”).
J. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9222 and 10403, the City Council desires to submit
the Ordinance to the voters of the City.
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings. The City Council finds and determines that each of the findings
set forth above are true and correct.
SECTION 2. Election. The City Council proposes to discontinue the park use of
approximately 0.33 acres of El Camino Park as set forth in the Ordinance and to present this
proposal to the voters on November 5, 2024.
SECTION 3. Measure. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9222, the City Council hereby
submits a proposition for the enactment of the Ordinance to the voters at the Election and orders
the following question to be submitted to the voters at the Election:
To reduce traffic congestion and travel time for transit
riders, shall the measure undedicating a 0.33-acre portion
of existing parkland in El Camino Park for the purpose of
creating a new road primarily for transit vehicles linking the
Palo Alto Transit Center with El Camino Real, be adopted?
YES
NO
This question requires the approval of a majority of those casting votes.
SECTION 4. Adoption of Measure. The measure to be submitted to the voters is
attached to this Resolution as Attachment A and incorporated herein by this reference. The City
requests that the full text of the measure, including its exhibit, shall be printed in the County’s
Voter Information Guide.
SECTION 5. Notice of Election. Notice of the time and place of holding the Election is
hereby given, and the City Clerk is authorized, instructed and directed to give further or additional
notice of the Election, in time, form and manner as required by law.
SECTION 6. Impartial Analysis. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9280, the City
Council hereby directs the City Clerk to transmit a copy of the measure to the City Attorney. The
City Attorney shall prepare an impartial analysis of the measure, not to exceed 500 words in
length, showing the effect of the measure on the existing law and the operation of the measure,
and transmit such impartial analysis to the City Clerk on or before August 15, 2024.
NOT YET APPROVED
3
SECTION 7. Ballot Arguments. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9286 et. seq.,
August 13, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. shall be the deadline for submission of arguments in favor of, and
arguments against, any local measures on the ballot. If more than one argument for and/or
against is received, the priorities established by Elections Code Section 9287 shall control.
SECTION 8. Rebuttal Arguments. The provisions of Elections Code Section 9285 shall
control the submission of any rebuttal arguments. The deadline for filing rebuttal arguments shall
be August 20, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
SECTION 9. Authorization to File Arguments. Pursuant to Elections Code Section
9282(b), the City Council hereby authorizes Councilmembers XXXXX to file a written argument in
favor of this measure and also to file a rebuttal argument.
SECTION 10. Consolidation Request (Cal. Elections Code § 10403). The Council of the
City of Palo Alto requests the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara permit the
Registrar of Voters to completely consolidate the City’s General Municipal and Special Elections
for November 5, 2024 and the City Council consents to such consolidation. The Council requests
the Board of Supervisors of Santa Clara County to include on the ballots and sample ballots, all
qualified measures submitted by the City Council to be ratified by the qualified electors of the
City of Palo Alto. The Council acknowledges that the Election will be held and conducted
according to procedures in the Elections Code, including Section 10418.
SECTION 11. Request for County Services. Pursuant to Section 10002 and 10520 of
the Elections Code, the Council of the City of Palo Alto hereby requests the Board of Supervisors
of Santa Clara County to permit the Registrar of Voters to render services to the City of Palo Alto
relating to the conduct of Palo Alto’s General Municipal and Special Elections which are called to
be held on November 5, 2024, and shall reimburse the county for the costs incurred by the
County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters in conducting the election for the City of Palo Alto. The
services shall be of the type normally performed by the Registrar of Voters in assisting the clerks
of municipalities in the conduct of elections including, but not limited to, checking registrations,
mailing ballots, hiring election officers and arranging for polling places, receiving absentee voter
ballot applications, mailing and receiving absent voter ballots and opening and counting same,
providing and distributing election supplies, and furnishing voting machines, the canvassing of
the returns of the election, the furnishing of the results of such canvassing to the City Clerk, and,
the performance of other election services as may be requested by the City Clerk. The City
requests the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors permit the County of Santa Clara
Registrar of Voters to prepare the City’s election materials.
SECTION 12. Transmittal of Resolution. The City Clerk is hereby directed to submit
forthwith a certified copy of this resolution to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and
to the Registrar of Voters.
NOT YET APPROVED
4
SECTION 13. Environmental Review. The City Council finds the proposed project as
described in the Recitals in this Resolution exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). The proposed project comes within the statutory exemption for “facility extensions not
to exceed four miles in length which are required for the transfer of passengers from or to
exclusive public mass transit guideway or busway public transit services.” Pub. Res. Code §
21080(b)(12). Due to its fixed location, Caltrain qualifies as an “exclusive public mass transit
guideway” service. The proposed project would extend the existing transit center facility by
approximately 210 feet, through the intersection of Quarry Road and El Camino Real, to facilitate
the transfer of passengers to Caltrain, among other public transit services.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSENTIONS:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
_____________________________ ______________________________
City Clerk Mayor
______________________________
APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Manager
_____________________________ ______________________________
City Attorney Director of Community Services
______________________________
Chief Transportation Official
NOT YET APPROVED
5
Attachment A
** START HERE **
Ordinance No. _____
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending the Area Dedicated as
El Camino Park to Discontinue the Park Use of Approximately 0.33 Acres
The People of the City of Palo Alto do ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. Exhibit A-19 of Title 22 (Parks) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows (new text underlined):
EXHIBIT A-19 LEGAL DESCRIPTION EL CAMINO PARK
Beginning at the most northerly corner of that certain 1.194 acre parcel of land described in
that certain sublease between the City of Palo Alto and Southern Pacific Railroad Company,
dated October 2, 1939; thence S. 17° 13' 57" E. along the westerly line of said parcel 143.13
feet; thence S. 51° 41' 59" E. 421.31 feet; thence northeasterly along a tangent curve to the left,
having a radius of 13.64 feet, through a central angle of 90 00' for an arc length of 21.42 feet to
a point of reverse curve; thence southeasterly along a curve to the right, having a radius of
13.64 feet, through a central angle of 90° 00', for an arc length of 21.42 feet; thence S. 51° 41'
59" E. 122.41 feet; thence southerly along a tangent curve to the right, having a radius of 75
feet, through a central angle of 87° 29' 32", for an arc length of 114.53 feet, to a point of
reverse curve; thence southerly along a tangent curve to the left, having a radius of 300 feet, to
a point of reverse curve; thence southerly along a tangent curve to the left, having a radius of
300 feet, to a point of compound curve; thence continuing southerly along a tangent curve to
the left, having a radius of 68 feet, through a central angle of 20° 03' 52" for an arc length of
23.81 feet, to a point of reverse curve; thence southwesterly, along a reverse curve to the right
having a radius of 33.40 feet, through a central angle of 77° 52' 04", for an arc length of 45.39
feet, to a non-tangent point on the northeasterly line of El Camino Real; thence northwesterly,
along said northeasterly line, the following courses and distances: N. 51° 13' 12" W. 566.52
feet; N. 42° 20' 20" W. 80.45 feet; along a curve to the left, having a radius of 1333 feet through
a central angle of 8° 24' 00", for an arc length of 195.43 feet; N. 51° 08' W. 68.39 feet; along a
tangent curve to the right, having a radius of 900 feet, through a central angle of 11° 08' 21",
for an arc length of 174.97 feet; N. 39° 59' 39" W. 317.82 feet; along a tangent curve to the left,
having a radius of 72 feet, through a central angle of 73° 09' 21", for an arc length of 91.93 feet;
N. 45° 58' 59" W. 436.48 feet; N. 41° 16' 13" W. 151.00 feet; along a curve to the right, having a
radius of 102 feet, through a central angle of 16° 19' 30", for an arc length of 29.06 feet, to a
point of compound curve, along a curve to the right, having a radius of 12 feet, through a
central angle of 90° 08' 53", for an arc length of 18.88 feet; N. 31° 10' 38" W. 85.53 feet; N. 51°
31' 10" W. 123.49 feet; N. 49° 31' 31" W. 69.11 feet to a point in the centerline of San
Francisquito Creek; thence leaving said northeasterly line of El Camino Real, and running along
the centerline of said creek S. 85° 56' 59" E. 164.52 feet and N. 62° 31' 01" E. 77.22 feet, to a
point on the southwesterly line of the Southern Pacific right-of-way; thence southeasterly along
the southwesterly line S. 51° 35' 10" E. 7.93 feet; S. 51° 41' 59" E. 797.87 feet and S. 46° 56' 10"
E. 602.08 feet; thence S. 38° 18' 01" W. 60.00 feet to the point of beginning. Excepting
NOT YET APPROVED
6
therefrom the following described portion of Palo Alto Avenue: Beginning at the northerly
terminus of the above described as "having a radius of 12 feet, through a central angle of 90°
08' 53", for an arc length of 18.88 feet"; thence easterly along a compound curve to the right,
having a radius of 182 feet, through a central angle of 19° 27' 55", an arc length of 61.83 feet;
thence N. 81° 46' 56" E. 59.63 feet; thence N. 84° 40' 59" W. along said right-of-way line 86.96
feet; thence S. 84° 40' 05" W. 192.23 feet; thence westerly along a curve to the right, having a
radius of 382 feet, through a central angle of 7° 50' 24", an arc distance of 52.27 feet; thence S.
31° 10' 38" E. 85.53 feet to the point of beginning. Also excepting therefrom that portion
thereof described in Resolution No. 5802 of the City of Palo Alto recorded July 16, 1980 in Book
F442 of Official Records at Page 707, records of Santa Clara County, California. Also excepting
therefrom that certain 0.551 acre parcel described as follows: Commencing at the intersection
of the southwesterly line of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company's right-of-way, 230 feet in
width, (as described in that certain easement of Leland Stanford to the Southern Pacific
Railroad Company, dated November 23, 1892, and recorded October 28, 1915, in Volume 435
of Deeds at page 244, Santa Clara County Records, in which the bearing of said line is called
North 51 28' West, which is also the southwesterly line of that certain easement (Palo Alto
Agreement No. 224) granted by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company to the City of Palo Alto
by Agreement dated October 2, 1939, and recorded November 27, 1939, in Book 954 of Official
Records, page 567, Santa Clara County Records), with the center line of University Avenue
produced southwesterly, as said University Avenue exists 75 feet in width (said intersection
being the most easterly point of Parcel 1 as described in that certain lease of the Board of
Trustees of Leland Stanford Junior University of the City of Palo Alto (Palo Alto Lease No. 3)
dated June 10, 1915, and recorded by Stanford University on September 23, 1915, in Vol. P of
Leases at page 333 et seq., Santa Clara County Records, in which the bearing of said line is
called North 51 45" West); thence North 51 45' West along said southwesterly line a distance of
467.50 feet to the intersection of said line of right-of-way with the center line of Lytton Avenue
(prolonged); a distance of 81.00 feet to a point on the southwesterly most line of Parcel No. 2,
City of Palo Alto Agreement No. 46, dated October 2, 1939, and recorded October 30, 1939, in
Book 951 of Official Records, page 580, Santa Clara County Records, which point is the true
point of commencement; thence South 51 45' East, along said southwesterlymost line, a
distance of 25.00 feet; thence South 38 15' West a distance of 120.00 feet; thence North 51 45'
West a distance of 200.00 feet; thence North 38 15' East a distance of 120.00 feet to a point on
the above mentioned southwesterlymost line of Parcel No. 2; thence South 51 45' East a
distance of 175.00 feet along said line to the true point of commencement.
SAVE AND EXCEPT THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PORTION THEREOF DISCONTINUED FOR
PARK PURPOSES PURSUANT TO A VOTE OF THE PEOPLE, AS CONFIRMED BY ORDINANCE NO.
_____:
Real property in the City of Palo Alto, County of Santa Clara, State of California, described as
follows:
NOT YET APPROVED
7
Being a portion of Park Parcel 1, as said Parcel 1 is described in that certain document, recorded
on September 6, 2012, as Document 21840095, Official Records of Santa Clara County, more
particularly described as follows:
COMMENCING at the most westerly corner of Palo Alto Station Grounds, as said Station
Grounds are described in that certain easement from Leland Stanford to the Southern Pacific
Railroad Company, dated November 23, 1892 and recorded October 28, 1915 in Volume 435 of
Deeds at Page 244, Official Records of Santa Clara County, said point being marked by a found
3/4” iron pipe with wood plug and tack;
Thence along the northeasterly line of said Park Parcel, South 16°12’28” East, 56.48 feet to the
POINT OF BEGINNING;
Thence leaving said point and continuing along said northeasterly line, South 16°12’28” East,
86.65 feet to an angle point in said northeasterly line;
Thence along said northeasterly line, South 50°40’30” East, 4.34 feet;
Thence leaving said northeasterly line, South 34°32’43” West, 24.21 feet to the beginning of a
tangent curve to the right, having a radius of 273.00 feet;
Thence southwesterly along said curve, through a central angle of 09°40’14”, for an arc length
of 46.08 feet;
Thence South 44°12’57” West, 49.45 feet, to the beginning of a tangent curve to the left, having
a radius of 49.50 feet;
Thence southerly along said curve, through a central angle of 62°46’25”, for an arc length of
54.23 feet to the northeasterly line of El Camino Real (State Highway 82);
Thence northwesterly along said northeasterly line, North 41°18’51” West, 2.64 feet; to the
beginning of a non-tangent curve, concave to the southwest, having a radius of 1,333.00 feet,
with a radial line that bears North 48°17’29” East;
Thence continuing along said northeasterly line and northwesterly along said curve, through a
central angle of 04°28’38”, for an arc length of 104.17 feet;
Thence leaving said northeasterly line, North 44°14’48” East, 87.93 feet; to the beginning of a
tangent curve to the right, having a radius of 260.50 feet;
Thence northeasterly along said curve, through a central angle of 04°48’43”, for an arc length of
21.88 feet;
Thence North 49°03’31” East, 59.71 feet, to the beginning of a tangent curve to the left, having
a radius of 19.50 feet;
NOT YET APPROVED
8
Thence northerly along said curve, through a central angle of 66°09’32”, for an arc length of
22.52 feet; Thence North 29°22’27” East, 14.50 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.
Containing an area of 13,960 square feet, more or less.
SECTION 2. The area being discontinued for park purposes in Section 1 of this Ordinance
is based on the legal survey attached as Exhibit 1.
SECTION 3. The area being undedicated as parkland by this Ordinance may only be used
to construct a road linking the adjacent Palo Alto Transit Center with El Camino Real and related
improvements, such as but not limited to: bus stops, utility infrastructure, landscaping, sidewalks,
bicycle paths, safety infrastructure, parking spaces, lighting, signage and wayfinding, parking
restrictions, and any improvement otherwise permitted in dedicated parkland (including those
permitted after adoption of an ordinance).
SECTION 4. The City Council finds this proposed transit connector project exempt from
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The proposed project comes within the
statutory exemption for “facility extensions not to exceed four miles in length which are required
for the transfer of passengers from or to exclusive public mass transit guideway or busway public
transit services.” Pub. Res. Code § 21080(b)(12). Due to its fixed location, Caltrain qualifies as an
“exclusive public mass transit guideway” service. The proposed project would extend the existing
transit center facility by approximately 210 feet, through the intersection of Quarry Road and El
Camino Real, to facilitate the transfer of passengers to Caltrain, among other public transit
services.
SECTION 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be effective only if approved by a majority
of the voters and shall go into effect immediately after the vote is declared and this ordinance is
adopted by the City Council.
//
//
//
//
NOT YET APPROVED
9
SECTION 6. Execution. The Mayor is hereby authorized to attest to the adoption of this
Ordinance by the voters of the City by signing where indicated below.
I hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance was PASSED, APPROVED by the People of
the City of Palo Alto voting in the election set on November 5, 2024 and ADOPTED by the City
Council pursuant to California Government Code section 38451 as incorporated into Appendix A
to the Charter of the City of Palo Alto.
ATTEST:
__________________________ ___________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
___________________________ ___________________________
City Attorney or designee City Manager
___________________________
Director of Community Services
___________________________
Chief Transportation Official
NOT YET APPROVED
10
Exhibit 1
NOT YET APPROVED
11
NOT YET APPROVED
12
NOT YET APPROVED
13
** END HERE **
Not Yet Approved
1
111_20240530_ts24
Ordinance No. _____
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Calling and Fixing Date of a Special
Election to Submit to the City Electors the Question of Discontinuance of the Use of a
Portion of Park Land at El Camino Park
The Council of the City of Palo Alto ORDAINS as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations. The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A. The area known as El Camino Park is owned by the Board of Trustees of the Leland
Stanford Junior University (Stanford) and is leased to the City of Palo Alto (City) until June 30,
2042.
B. Article VIII of the Palo Alto Charter provides that “All lands owned or controlled by
the city which are or will be used for park, playground, recreation or conservation purposes shall
be dedicated for such purposes by ordinance.” Accordingly, the City adopted an ordinance
dedicating El Camino Park for park, playground, recreation, or conservation purposes, as codified
at Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) section 22.08.230. A legal description of El Camino Park is
codified as Exhibit A-19 to PAMC Title 22.
C. Article VIII of the Charter requires that “[n]o land heretofore or hereafter dedicated
for such purposes shall be sold or otherwise disposed of, nor shall its use be abandoned or
discontinued except pursuant to majority vote of the electorate. Any election and related
procedures under Article VIII shall conform to the provisions set forth in general law as it existed
January 1, 1965, except that the council may call such election by majority vote.” The Charter
includes the “provisions set forth in general law” in Appendix A to the Charter of the City of Palo
Alto.
D. The City Council proposes that the voters discontinue park use for an approximately
13,960 sq. foot (or approximately 0.33 acre) segment of El Camino Park to be used to build a road
connecting the adjacent Palo Alto Transit Center with El Camino Real, a state highway (the
“project”). This will allow buses, shuttles, and other transit vehicles to shorten the drive time to
and from the Transit Center and will encourage use of public transportation, among other
benefits. The proposed project will also include multiple pedestrian and bicycle improvements
adjacent to or near the proposed transit connection, including at the intersection of Quarry Road
and El Camino Real.
E. Construction of the project is contingent on state agency approval, finalization of
design, and obtaining adequate funding. If built, the project will remain under the terms of the
El Camino Park lease, meaning that it will be owned by Stanford and leased to the City until 2042.
Unless a new agreement is reached, the project and El Camino Park will thereafter revert to
Stanford.
F. On April 22, 2024, the City Council adopted a Resolution of Intention to Call an
Election to Submit the Question of Discontinuance of a Portion of El Camino Park as Dedicated
Parkland and setting June 10, 2024 for a Public Hearing for Protests.
G. In compliance with the City Charter, the City Council now has heard and desires to
overrule all protests and desires to adopt this ordinance to call and fix the date of a special
Not Yet Approved
2
election to submit to the city electors the question of the discontinuance of the use of a portion
of park land at El Camino Park.
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby overrules all protests received regarding this proposed
discontinuance.
SECTION 3. The City Council hereby calls a special election to submit to the city electors the
question of the discontinuance of the use of a portion of park land at El Camino Park. Such
election shall occur on November 5, 2024, consistent with Resolution XXXXX.
SECTION 4. The City Council finds the proposed project exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The proposed project comes within the statutory exemption
for “facility extensions not to exceed four miles in length which are required for the transfer of
passengers from or to exclusive public mass transit guideway or busway public transit services.”
Pub. Res. Code § 21080(b)(12). Due to its fixed location, Caltrain qualifies as an “exclusive public
mass transit guideway” service. The proposed project would extend the existing transit center
facility by approximately 210 feet, through the intersection of Quarry Road and El Camino Real,
to facilitate the transfer of passengers to Caltrain, among other public transit services.
//
//
//
//
//
Not Yet Approved
3
SECTION 5. As an ordinance relating to an election, this ordinance shall be effective
immediately upon adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
____________________________ ____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Director of Community Services
____________________________
Chief Transportation Official
Item No. 12. Page 1 of 2
City Council
Supplemental Report
From: Philip Kamhi, Chief Transportation Official
Meeting Date: June 10, 2024
Item Number: 12
Report #:2405-3111
TITLE
Supplemental Memo: Hearing on Written Protests Against Proposed Discontinuance of a
portion of El Camino Park; and Adopt a Resolution and Ordinance Approving a Ballot Measure
for the Discontinuance of a portion of El Camino Park and Calling a Special Election on
November 5, 2024 and Authorize the City Mayor and City Manager to Execute a Letter of Intent
with Stanford University for the Quarry Road Project; CEQA status - statutorily exempt per Pub.
Res. Code § 21080(b)(12).
RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the published recommendations on this item, staff recommends that the City
Council Authorize the City Mayor and City Manager to execute a Letter of Intent with Stanford
University for the Quarry Road Project.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
This supplemental report transmits a Letter of Intent drafted by the parties, City of Palo Alto
and Stanford University (Stanford), and amends the agenda item title and recommended action
to seek authorization for City signatures.
Revised Title:
Hearing on Written Protests Against Proposed Discontinuance of a portion of El Camino Park;
and Adopt a Resolution and Ordinance Approving a Ballot Measure for the Discontinuance of a
portion of El Camino Park and Calling a Special Election on November 5, 2024 and Authorize the
City Mayor and City Manager to Execute a Letter of Intent with Stanford University for the
Quarry Road Project; CEQA status - statutorily exempt per Pub. Res. Code § 21080(b)(12).
Revised Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Hear and pass upon all valid written protests received by the Clerk regarding the
proposed discontinuance of a portion of El Camino Park to construct a roadway for
transit vehicles;
Item No. 12. Page 2 of 2
2. Sustain or overrule (majority vote) the protests; and
3. If protests are overruled, adopt the attached ordinance and resolution calling for a
special election on November 5, 2024 and submit to the voters a ballot measure of
whether to discontinue the park use of approximately 0.33 acres of El Camino Park for
the purpose of constructing a roadway for transit vehicles between El Camino Real and
the Palo Alto Transit Center
4. Authorize the City Mayor and City Manager to Execute a Letter of Intent with Stanford
University for the Quarry Road Project.
Letter of Intent Between City of Palo Alto and Stanford
In order to provide a more complete context for the proposed Quarry Road project, including
its relationship with the Palo Alto Transit Center and El Camino Park, Attachment A provides a
proposed Letter of Intent (LOI). The LOI outlines responsibilities and actions that each party
plans to undertake, including:
•responsibilities for the funding, design, and construction of the roadway. This includes
Stanford contributing up to $4 million for completion of the project, as well as
maintenance funding;
•extension of the lease for playing fields at El Camino Park for an additional ten years
through 2052; and,
•undertaking a long-term visioning process for the Palo Alto Transit Center that
addresses dynamic public spaces, multi-modal transit needs, and community
engagement.
This LOI was discussed and drafted with the involvement of Stanford, the City Council Stanford
Ad Hoc Committee (Council members Burt, Kou, and Lythcott-Haims), and City staff. The
attached letter has been signed by Stanford’s representative and staff recommends
authorization for the Mayor and City Manager to sign on behalf of the City.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Letter of Intent Quarry Road
APPROVED BY:
Philip Kamhi, Chief Transportation Official