Fukuji Architecture & Planning 1
COMMUNITY SURVEY SUMMARY Car Free Streets: California Avenue & Ramona Street Fukuji Architecture and Planning Fehr & Peers April 2023 Fukuji Architecture & Planning – Car Free Streets Community Survey Results 2 SURVEY RESULTS The on-line survey was conducted from December 7, 2022, to January 9, 2023. 617 people viewed the survey with 356 responses with approximately 18 hours of public comment. A total of 15 questions covering both California Avenue, Ramona Street and background demographics were asked. The survey question type asked is the select-all-that-apply format.1 CALIFORNIA AVENUE 1. How often do you visit California Avenue? 67% of respondents visit California Avenue at least once a week, with 1/3 visiting several times a week, so respondents are predominantly regular visitors. 2. What brings you to California Avenue? The predominant reasons that bring visitors to California Avenue are dining for 90% of respondents and attending the Farmer’s Market for 2/3 of respondents. Half of respondents go grocery shopping or to a café. Retail shopping is at approximately 40%. Interestingly, ¼ of respondents use Caltrain and 24% use professional services, showing diversification of reasons to be at California Avenue. More respondents visit for the arts/entertainment at 10% than employment, at 5% and even less go for government or non-profit reasons. 3. What Concerns you the most about California Avenue today and in the future? Too many vacancies and loss of retail are primary concerns, at 46% and 39% respectively, with almost a ¼ of respondents feeling the area is underutilized, and 15% feeling there are no appealing storefronts and buildings. 30% of respondents observed there are no people gathering spaces, and over 1/3 felt there were other concerns not listed in the survey. Alternatively, little concern was expressed on the visibility of the store fronts to motorists driving along the street at 8 % or insufficient parking at 6%. 4. If you can have anything on California Avenue, what would you want long-term? The overwhelming response was continuation of outdoor dining at 82%, followed by 2/3 of respondents wanting public places with seating at 62% and music at 62%. Slightly less than half want to see public art (47%), retail vendors and kiosks (44%), and programmed events and activities 42%. Over ¼ of respondents want to see children’s play areas (26%), and almost 1/3 would like artisan stalls (29%) and food trucks (32%). Slightly less than 1/5 expressed interest in adult games and sports. 1 For ranking of endorsements, select-all-that-apply questions yield similar results from forced-choice questions, so this format was selected. The consultant tested forced-choice questions with the City Commissioners, and Commissioner feedback was to reduce barriers to have the survey be as direct and simple as possible.
Fukuji Architecture & Planning – Car Free Streets Community Survey Results 3
5. If you were to test creative, flexible interim street design prior to permanent improvements, which options would you want to explore? The predominant preference is for closure of the street to all car traffic except emergency vehicles at 79%. A pedestrian promenade (71%) and public plazas with street furniture including movable chairs, tables, planters and lighting (69%) are preferred urban design options to explore, followed by identifying locations for future trees and nature areas (53%) and bike lanes (52%). Slow low traffic volume two-way access to local businesses (10%) and partial closure to one lane vehicle access to local business (9%) were the least desired options of respondents. RAMONA STREET 6. How often do you visit Ramona Street? 30% of respondents visit Ramona Street at least once a month, with 1/4 visiting at least once every six months. 26% of respondents are regular visitors at least once a week. 18% visit at least once a year. 7. What brings you to Ramona Street? The predominant reasons that bring visitors to Ramona Street are dining for 81% of respondents and cafes for over ½ of respondents. 1/3 of respondents visit for retail shopping. 8. What concerns you the most about Ramona Street today and in the future? The predominant concern of respondents is a lack of people gathering places (34%). Too many vacancies and loss of retail are concerns are at 26% and 24% respectively, followed by not enough parking at 21%. The road closure barriers are of concern for 16% of respondents. ¼ of respondents felt there were other concerns not listed in the survey. 9. If you were to test creative, flexible interim street design prior to permanent improvements, which options would you want to explore? The predominant preference is for closure of the street to all car traffic except emergency vehicles at 70%. Expanding outdoor dining, (58%) and creating an urban public space (55%) are preferred urban design options to explore, followed by identifying locations for future trees and nature areas (48%) and bike lanes (42%). Slow low traffic volume two-way access to local businesses (10%) and partial closure to one lane vehicle access to local business (12%) were the least desired options of respondents. 10. If you can have anything on Ramona Street, what would you want long-term? The preferred response is creating an outdoor dining destination at 70%, followed by 61% of respondents wanting planting and streets trees that complement the historic buildings. Over half want to maintain the historic character and scale of the street (56%) and small-scale public spaces with seating (56%), followed by 43% wanting to see high quality design.
Fukuji Architecture & Planning – Car Free Streets Community Survey Results 4 DEMOGRAPHICS 11. How old are you? Just under half of the respondents are over 55 years of age, and the other half of respondents are adults 25-54. 12. Where do you live? Over half work within a short 5–10-minute bike ride of California Avenue (54%). 16% work within a short 5–10-minute bike ride of Ramona Street in Downtown Palo Alto. Ten percent of respondents work at Stanford at less than 2%, other areas not within walking of cycling distance of California Avenue at 6%. Surprisingly, 15% of respondents live outside of Palo Alto. 13. Where do work? Approximately 1/3 work within a short 5–10-minute bike ride of California Avenue. Slightly over 20% live within a short 5–10-minute bike ride of Ramona Street in Downtown Palo Alto. Approximately 25% work at Stanford Research Park (14%) and Stanford University (11%). One quarter of respondents work outside of Palo Alto 26% and ¾ of respondents work in Palo Alto. 14. Do you own a business in Palo Alto? 99% of respondents do not own a business in Palo Alto. Only 5 respondents of 356 respondents own a business on California Avenue or Ramona Street. 1 | www.opentownhall.com/12434 Created with OpenGov | January 9, 2023, 4:43 PM Car Free Streets: California Avenue &
Ramona Street Visioning
January 9, 2023, 4:43 PM
Contents
i. Summary of responses 2
ii. Survey questions 11
iii. Individual responses 14
Summary Of Responses
As of January 9, 2023, 4:43 PM, this forum had: Topic Start Topic End Attendees: 617 December 7, 2022, 2:12 PM January 9, 2023, 12:00 AM Responses: 356
Hours of Public Comment: 17.8
QUESTION 1
How often do you visit California Avenue (pick one)?
% Count
Several times a week
34.5% 122
At least once a week
32.5% 115
At least once a month
26.3% 93
At least once every 6 months
6.2% 22
At least once a year
0.6% 2
QUESTION 2
What brings you to California Avenue? [select all that apply] % Count
Restaurants
89.8% 318
Grocery store
50.6% 179
Farmer's market
63.8% 226
Cafe
51.4% 182
2 | www.opentownhall.com/12434 Created with OpenGov | January 9, 2023, 4:43 PM Car Free Streets: California Avenue & Ramona Street Visioning Share input on the future of car free streets: California Avenue and Ramona Street. % Count
Retail
39.8% 141
Professional services
23.7% 84
Government or non-profits
3.7% 13
Arts/entertainment
10.5% 37
Caltrain station
24.9% 88
Place of employment
5.1% 18
QUESTION 3
What concerns you most about California Avenue today and in the future? [select all that apply] % Count
Too many vacancies
46.0% 151
Loss of retail shops
39.3% 129
No people gathering places
29.9% 98
No potential customers driving on the street
7.6% 25
Underutilized
24.4% 80
Not enough parking
6.1% 20
No appealing storefronts and buildings
15.5% 51
No reason to be there
6.4% 21
Other
35.7% 117
3 | www.opentownhall.com/12434 Created with OpenGov | January 9, 2023, 4:43 PM Car Free Streets: California Avenue & Ramona Street Visioning Share input on the future of car free streets: California Avenue and Ramona Street.
QUESTION 4
If you can have anything on California Avenue, what would you want long-term? [Select all that apply]
% Count
Outdoor dining
81.8% 287
Music
62.1% 218
Food trucks
31.6% 111
Retail vendors and kiosks
44.2% 155
Public art
46.7% 164
Artisan stalls
28.8% 101
Public places with seating
62.4% 219
Children's play areas
25.6% 90
Adult games and sports
18.2% 64
Programmed events and activities
41.6% 146
Other
22.8% 80
QUESTION 5
If you were to test creative, flexible interim street designs prior to permanent improvements, what options would you want to explore:
[Select all that apply]
% Count
Closure to all car traffic except emergency vehicles
79.3% 276
Partial closure to one lane vehicle access to local
businesses
8.9% 31
4 | www.opentownhall.com/12434 Created with OpenGov | January 9, 2023, 4:43 PM Car Free Streets: California Avenue & Ramona Street Visioning Share input on the future of car free streets: California Avenue and Ramona Street. % Count
Slow, low volume two-way vehicle access to local
businesses
10.3% 36
Bike lanes
52.0% 181
Pedestrian promenade
71.3% 248
Public plazas with street furniture including chairs,
tables, movable planters, and lighting
68.7% 239
Locations for future trees and nature areas
52.6% 183
Other
12.9% 45
QUESTION 6
How often do you visit Ramona Street?
[Select one]
% Count
Several times a week
8.8% 28
At least once a week
17.2% 55
At least once a month
30.3% 97
At least once every six months
25.9% 83
At least once a year
17.8% 57
QUESTION 7
What brings you to Ramona Street?
[Select all that apply]
% Count
Restaurants
80.7% 251
5 | www.opentownhall.com/12434 Created with OpenGov | January 9, 2023, 4:43 PM Car Free Streets: California Avenue & Ramona Street Visioning Share input on the future of car free streets: California Avenue and Ramona Street. % Count
Cafes
54.7% 170
Retail
31.8% 99
Professional services
6.1% 19
Place of employment
2.6% 8
Other
10.0% 31
QUESTION 8
What concerns you most about Ramona Street today and in the future? [Select all that apply]
% Count
Too many vacancies
26.4% 61
Loss of retail shopping
23.8% 55
No people gathering places
33.8% 78
Road closure barriers
15.6% 36
No potential customers driving past businesses
6.5% 15
Emergency vehicle access
2.6% 6
Not enough parking
21.2% 49
Other
25.1% 58
QUESTION 9
If you were to test creative, flexible interim street designs prior to permanent improvements, what options would 6 | www.opentownhall.com/12434 Created with OpenGov | January 9, 2023, 4:43 PM Car Free Streets: California Avenue & Ramona Street Visioning Share input on the future of car free streets: California Avenue and Ramona Street. you want to explore:
[Select all that apply]
% Count
Closure to all car traffic
70.2% 205
Partial closure to one lane vehicle access to local
businesses
11.6% 34
Slow, low volume two-way vehicle access to local
businesses
10.3% 30
Bike lanes
41.8% 122
Expand outdoor dining
58.2% 170
Create an urban public space
55.5% 162
Locations for future trees and nature areas
47.6% 139
Other
6.5% 19
QUESTION 10
Long-term, what would you like to see on Ramona Street? [Select all that apply]
% Count
Small scale public spaces with seating
56.1% 162
Maintain historic character and scale of street
56.4% 163
High-quality design
42.9% 124
Planting and street trees that complement historic
buildings
60.6% 175
An outdoor dining destination
69.9% 202
Other
11.1% 32
7 | www.opentownhall.com/12434 Created with OpenGov | January 9, 2023, 4:43 PM Car Free Streets: California Avenue & Ramona Street Visioning Share input on the future of car free streets: California Avenue and Ramona Street.
QUESTION 11
How old are you?
% Count
18-24
1.7% 6
25-34
12.8% 44
35-44
12.8% 44
45-54
20.6% 71
55+
47.1% 162
Prefer not to answer
4.9% 17
QUESTION 12
Where do you live?
% Count
Downtown Palo Alto
5.2% 18
Adjacent Downtown Palo Alto neighborhood within
5-to-10-minute walk
8.2% 28
Within 5-to-10-minute bicycle trip to Ramona
Street
6.7% 23
Within Palo Alto, but not walking or cycling
distance of Ramona Street
2.6% 9
Cal Ave District
6.4% 22
Adjacent Cal Ave District neighborhood within 5-to-
10-minute walk
21.6% 74
Within 5-to-10-minute bicycle trip to Cal Ave
26.5% 91
Within Palo Alto, but not walking or cycling
distance of California Avenue
6.4% 22
Stanford University
1.7% 6
8 | www.opentownhall.com/12434 Created with OpenGov | January 9, 2023, 4:43 PM Car Free Streets: California Avenue & Ramona Street Visioning Share input on the future of car free streets: California Avenue and Ramona Street. % Count
Outside of Palo Alto
14.6% 50
QUESTION 13
Where do you work?
% Count
Downtown Palo Alto
8.7% 25
Adjacent Downtown Palo Alto neighborhood within
a 5- to 10-minute walk
3.5% 10
Within a 5-to-10-minute bicycle trip to Ramona
Street
3.5% 10
Within Palo Alto, but not walking or cycling
distance of Ramona Street
1.4% 4
Cal Ave District
6.6% 19
Adjacent Cal Ave District neighborhood within 5-to-
10-minute walk
10.5% 30
Within a 5-to-10-minute bicycle trip to Cal Ave
12.5% 36
Within Palo Alto, but not walking or cycling
distance of Cal Ave
3.1% 9
Stanford Research Park
13.9% 40
Stanford University
10.5% 30
Outside of Palo Alto
25.8% 74
QUESTION 14
Do you own a business on Cal Ave or Ramona St?
9 | www.opentownhall.com/12434 Created with OpenGov | January 9, 2023, 4:43 PM Car Free Streets: California Avenue & Ramona Street Visioning Share input on the future of car free streets: California Avenue and Ramona Street. % Count
Yes
1.1% 4
No
98.9% 350
QUESTION 15
Which business(es) do you own on Cal Ave. and/or Ramona St.? Answered 5
Skipped 351
italico
10 | www.opentownhall.com/12434 Created with OpenGov | January 9, 2023, 4:43 PM Car Free Streets: California Avenue & Ramona Street Visioning Share input on the future of car free streets: California Avenue and Ramona Street.
Survey Questions
QUESTION 1
How often do you visit California Avenue (pick one)?
• Several times a week
• At least once a week
• At least once a month
• At least once every 6 months
• At least once a year
QUESTION 2
What brings you to California Avenue? [select all that apply] • Restaurants
• Grocery store
• Farmer's market
• Cafe
• Retail
• Professional services
• Government or non-profits
• Arts/entertainment
• Caltrain station
• Place of employment
QUESTION 3
What concerns you most about California Avenue today and in the future? [select all that apply]
• Too many vacancies
• Loss of retail shops
• No people gathering places
• No potential customers driving on the street
• Underutilized
• Not enough parking
• No appealing storefronts and buildings
• No reason to be there
• Other
QUESTION 4
If you can have anything on California Avenue, what would you want long-term?
[Select all that apply]
• Outdoor dining
• Music
• Food trucks
• Retail vendors and kiosks
• Public art
• Artisan stalls
• Public places with seating
• Children's play areas
• Adult games and sports
• Programmed events and activities
• Other
QUESTION 5
If you were to test creative, flexible interim street designs prior to permanent improvements, what options would you want to explore:
[Select all that apply]
• Closure to all car traffic except emergency vehicles
• Partial closure to one lane vehicle access to local businesses • Slow, low volume two-way vehicle access to local businesses • Bike lanes
• Pedestrian promenade
• Public plazas with street furniture including chairs, tables, movable planters, and lighting
• Locations for future trees and nature areas
• Other
QUESTION 6
How often do you visit Ramona Street?
[Select one]
• Several times a week
• At least once a week
• At least once a month
• At least once every six months
• At least once a year
QUESTION 7
What brings you to Ramona Street?
[Select all that apply]
• Restaurants
11 | www.opentownhall.com/12434 Created with OpenGov | January 9, 2023, 4:43 PM Car Free Streets: California Avenue & Ramona Street Visioning Share input on the future of car free streets: California Avenue and Ramona Street. • Cafes
• Retail
• Professional services
• Place of employment
• Other
QUESTION 8
What concerns you most about Ramona Street today and in the future?
[Select all that apply]
• Too many vacancies
• Loss of retail shopping
• No people gathering places
• Road closure barriers
• No potential customers driving past businesses
• Emergency vehicle access
• Not enough parking
• Other
QUESTION 9
If you were to test creative, flexible interim street designs prior to permanent improvements, what options would you want to explore:
[Select all that apply]
• Closure to all car traffic
• Partial closure to one lane vehicle access to local businesses • Slow, low volume two-way vehicle access to local businesses • Bike lanes
• Expand outdoor dining
• Create an urban public space
• Locations for future trees and nature areas
• Other
QUESTION 10
Long-term, what would you like to see on Ramona Street? [Select all that apply]
• Small scale public spaces with seating
• Maintain historic character and scale of street
• High-quality design
• Planting and street trees that complement historic buildings • An outdoor dining destination
• Other
QUESTION 11
How old are you?
• Under 12
• 13-17
• 18-24
• 25-34
• 35-44
• 45-54
• 55+
• Prefer not to answer
QUESTION 12
Where do you live?
• Downtown Palo Alto
• Adjacent Downtown Palo Alto neighborhood within 5-to-10-minute walk • Within 5-to-10-minute bicycle trip to Ramona Street
• Within Palo Alto, but not walking or cycling distance of Ramona Street • Cal Ave District
• Adjacent Cal Ave District neighborhood within 5-to-10-minute walk • Within 5-to-10-minute bicycle trip to Cal Ave
• Within Palo Alto, but not walking or cycling distance of California Avenue
• Stanford University
• Outside of Palo Alto
QUESTION 13
Where do you work?
• Downtown Palo Alto
• Adjacent Downtown Palo Alto neighborhood within a 5- to 10-minute walk
• Within a 5-to-10-minute bicycle trip to Ramona Street • Within Palo Alto, but not walking or cycling distance of Ramona Street • Cal Ave District
• Adjacent Cal Ave District neighborhood within 5-to-10-minute walk • Within a 5-to-10-minute bicycle trip to Cal Ave
• Within Palo Alto, but not walking or cycling distance of Cal Ave • Stanford Research Park
• Stanford University
• Outside of Palo Alto
QUESTION 14
12 | www.opentownhall.com/12434 Created with OpenGov | January 9, 2023, 4:43 PM Car Free Streets: California Avenue & Ramona Street Visioning Share input on the future of car free streets: California Avenue and Ramona Street.
Do you own a business on Cal Ave or Ramona St?
• Yes
• No
QUESTION 15
Which business(es) do you own on Cal Ave. and/or Ramona St.? 13 | www.opentownhall.com/12434 Created with OpenGov | January 9, 2023, 4:43 PM Car Free Streets: California Avenue & Ramona Street Visioning Share input on the future of car free streets: California Avenue and Ramona Street.