UNIVERSITY AVENUE
STREETSCAPE
City Council Meeting
June 3, 2024 www.cityofpaloalto.org/UniversityAveStreetscape Ashwini Kantak, Project Manager
2 AGENDA
• Project Background
• Vision, Goals, and Priorities
• Response to December 2023 Council Direction
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Project Timeline and Next Steps
• Council Discussion
3 PROJECT BACKGROUND
4 PROJECT BACKGROUND
• Spring 2020 – Fall 2021: Portion of University Avenue closed to vehicular traffic through “Uplift Local” program
• March 1, 2021: City Council approved the University Avenue Streetscape Update project • September 13, 2021: Council directed staff to issue RFP with defined Project goals • February 28, 2022: Council approved consultant contract for the Project • March 2022-November 2023: Feasibility analysis and design options developed; stakeholder outreach conducted
• December 18, 2023: Feasibility report with three streetscape options presented to Council; Council directed staff to return with additional information
• March and April 2024: Retail Committee presentations on near-term and long-term improvements and stakeholder engagement strategy
5 PROJECT BACKGROUND: Engagement Process to Date
Project Kick-Off
Virtual. Goals, objectives, schedule, and plans for data collection, outreach, design concepts, and implementation.
March
2022
Project Ambassador Meeting #1
Hybrid. Project ambassador roles and ideas for improvements. 14 participants, incl. project team, City staff, property owners, business owners, and residents.
November
2022
Project Ambassador Meeting #2
Hybrid. Project goals and ideas on character/theme (e.g., nature, art). 15 participants, incl. project team, City staff, property owners, business owners, and residents.
January
2023
Community Meeting
In person. Project update and keys from ambassador meetings.
Feedback on character, theme, and style. 20 participants from the general public.
March
2023
Community Survey
Online. Feedback on visiting habits, improvements, character, theme, and style for successful streetscape. 712 participants, majority adult residents of Palo Alto.
March/April
2023
Technical Advisory Committee Meeting
Virtual. Presented preliminary concepts to City staff and other committee members for technical review/feedback. 19 participants.
May
2023
Project Ambassador Meeting #3
Hybrid. Preliminary concepts for review and feedback. 11 participants, incl. project team, City staff, property owners, business owners, and residents.
August
2023
City Staff Meeting
Virtual. Preferred concept review addressing technical issues, e.g., utilities, emergency access, traffic. 19 participants, project team and City staff.
November
2023
Project Ambassador Meeting #4
Virtual. Preferred concept review and feedback on the design. 17 participants, including project team, City staff, property owners, business owners, and residents.
November
2023
City Council Meeting
In person. Preferred concept presented to City Council. Received Council direction to revisit goals/vision, revise concept designs.
December
2023
PRELIMINARY IDEAS
ROUND 1: CHARACTER
ROUND 2: CONCEPTS
PREFERRED CONCEPTRetail Committee Meeting #1
Hybrid. Reviewed goals/vision, refined design options, concept sketches, near- and long-term improvements.
March
2024
Retail Committee Meeting #2
Hybrid. Discussion about near-term improvements.
April
2024
6 VISION, GOALS, & PRIORITIES
7 VISION
Council
Approved Goals
for the Study
Project
Ambassador
Refined Goals
Community
Priorities
Takeaways from
Council
December 2023
Celebrate the unique character of the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley” by creating a vibrant, visually attractive streetscape with spaces and elements that enhance the visitor experience, provide safe access for pedestrians and bicyclists, and encourage shopping, dining, and gathering.
9 PROJECT GOALS
• Maximize pedestrian and bicycle use
• Maintain vital 2-way vehicular access
• Maintain parking opportunities
• Maintain delivery and loading zones, rideshare spaces • Include performance space between Alma and Middlefield Road • Showcase unique character of University Avenue
• Explore opportunities to present public art and provide technology exhibits • Create gathering spaces
• Maximize opportunities for outdoor dining
• Explore cost-effective interim measures to show progress 8 BALANCING VARIOUS INTERESTS ACROSS GOALS
• Balance desire for outdoor dining and gathering
spaces with on-street parking for retail customers
• Reduce congestion and enhance pedestrian and
bicycle experience while maintaining vehicular
access
• Balance desire for special events while minimizing
negative financial impacts on businesses from
temporary road closures
• Balance desire for wider sidewalks, gathering
spaces, and enhanced streetscape with direction
to explore lower cost alternatives
9 RESPONSE TO
DECEMBER 2023
COUNCIL DIRECTION
10 COUNCIL DIRECTION: December 18, 2023
1. Direct staff to draft additional alternatives that would include one option with the current parklet plan and that sidewalks should be variable or outdoor dining space comparable to the current parklet plan.
2. Consider moving bikes to Hamilton and Lytton and or shrinking the travel lane.
3. Direct staff to present options to the Retail Ad Hoc Committee and come back to Council with interim measures that we can do cheap and quickly that will show progress in that area.
4. Alternatives should cover a range of costs.
12 UNIVERSITY AVENUE AS A DESTINATION
• Showcase Unique Character
Reflect unique history of Palo Alto as “Birthplace of Silicon Valley” Partner with Palo Alto Historical Society, Stanford University and others Leverage historical Ramona Street to create a special destination • Explore Opportunities for Public Art and Technology Exhibits Collaborate with the City’s Public Art program and local artists to create vibrant spaces Explore the use of City’s fiber network for technology exhibits • Create Gathering Spaces
Design sidewalks, corner bulb outs, and plazas to be inviting spaces for people to gather Incorporate design features to make spaces more bike and pedestrian friendly Allow temporary closure of streets to further activate downtown with special events and performances
• Maximize Opportunities for Outdoor Dining
Create opportunities through design to allow outdoor dining on sidewalks and in parklets 13 PROJECT AREA (INITIAL BOUNDARY)
• Along University Avenue between High Street and Webster Street • Streetscape improvements within the public right of way 14 LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS: Concept Sketches
Corner Plaza
15 LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS: Concept Images
Corner Plaza
16 LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS: Concept Sketches
Sidewalk & Parking
with Outdoor Dining
17 LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS: Concept Images
Sidewalk & Parking
with Outdoor Dining
18 LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS: Concept Sketches
Sidewalk & Parking
with Outdoor Dining
(Parklet)
19 LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS: Concept Images
Sidewalk & Parking
with Outdoor Dining
(Parklet)
20 LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS: Concept Sketches
Corner Bulb Out
21 LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS: Concept Images
Corner Bulb Out
22 LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS: Site Plan
23 ON-STREET PARKING CONSIDERATIONS
• Conversion of angled parking to parallel parking spaces to allow wider sidewalks 193 on-street parking spaces reduced by 48, providing 145 spaces; includes 5 required accessible spaces (13’ x 24’ each)
• Maximizing Gathering spaces
Expanded bulb-outs at intersections and mid-block bulb-outs, loss of one parking space for a bulb-out at each corner; expanded corner plaza will require removal of four parking spaces each
• Outdoor Dining
Temporary parklets using 18 on-street parking spaces; number of ongoing parklets could be more or less, and vary over time
24 ON-STREET PARKING CONSIDERATIONS (contd.)
• Potential On-Street Parking Scenario
The conversion from angle to parallel parking removes 48 stalls. University Avenue on-street parking could be further reduced by 70 stalls to expandgathering spaces and provide outdoor dining in parklets, retaining 75 on-street parking spaces. Assuming no further loss of off-street parking spaces, parking occupancy would be 87%, 79%, and 68% at 12 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively using the 2017 parking counts. Using the 2023 parking values, parking occupancy would be 56%, 48%, and 36% during the same times.
• Considerations for Council feedback
Preserve sufficient on-street parking to maintain retail functionality Potentially limit number of parklets while continuing to allow outdoor dining and retail on wider sidewalks, and gathering spaces at expanded bulb-outs and plazas 25 LOWER COST ALTERNATIVES
• Estimated Costs
$40-$45 M to realize vision over nine blocks; each block estimated at $5M in 2030 dollars Scope includes curb and utility relocations, widened sidewalks, decorative paving, street furniture and amenities, a corner plaza and/or corner bulb-outs
80% of costs attributable to curb and utility relocations for an enhanced pedestrian experience; limitations on ability to significantly lower cost
• Implement Project in Phases
Higher overall cost due to escalation and less efficiency, higher level of disruption for downtown business community and patrons
Staff would recommend no more than two phases
• Significantly Reduce Project scope
Retain the current alignment and parking configuration; invest in enhanced landscaping, decorative paving, updated bulb-outs, and street furnishings
Estimated cost of $800K - $1.5 M per block in 2030 dollars Will not align with Project vision and goals, as proposed 26 BIKE LANES
• Consider moving bike lanes to Hamilton and Lytton Avenues University Avenue to continue as a Class III shared bike route, convenient and safe bike parking to be provided
Use of Hamilton and Lytton Avenues as preferred bike routes to be communicated through signage and education campaigns
Additional recommendations will be provided through the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update in 2025
• Alternatively shrink the travel lane
Fire Code and City Ordinance require a minimum travel lane width of 20 feet; Fire Code requires a 26-foot-wide fire access for buildings more than 30 feet tall Recommend maintaining the current total travel lane width of 26 feet; decreasing width would significantly impact future development along University Avenue 27 NEAR-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
• Presented to Retail Committee in March
and April 2024
• Enhanced Cleaning Pilot Programs
Power Washing/Steam Cleaning of
Sidewalks
Additional Trash Pick-up Services
• Miscellaneous Improvements Underway
Replace trash receptacles and liners
Remove aging and unused news racks
Identify locations for bike parking and
install bike racks
Minor infrastructure improvements
28 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
29 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY
• Approach and Purpose
Solicit feedback from key stakeholders on near-term and long-term streetscape improvements in the Downtown District
Provide timely updates to the downtown community and Palo Alto community at large, seek feedback at key milestones through the course of the improvements Engage relevant Boards, Commissions, and Committees on specific topic areas during the design process
Ensure the Retail Committee receives regular updates and provides feedback Ensure the City Council receives timely input from all stakeholders to inform Council’s decision-making process
30 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY (contd.)
• Stakeholder Working Group (15 members)
Business Interests, Community Partners, and Residents; call for volunteers with appointments by City Manager
Convene every two months and special meetings as needed, meetings open to the public Members shall represent interest areas and facilitate two-way communication • Downtown Community and Palo Alto Community at Large
Engagement through social media, printed and e-newsletters, utility inserts, project web page and Palo Alto Connect blog, tabling at community events, and Open Townhall surveys • Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Engage BCCs after Council provides direction on vision and preliminary design Architectural Review Board, Historic Review Board, Pedestrian/Bike Advisory Committee, Planning/Transportation Commission, Public Art Commission • Retail Committee and City Council
Regular updates to the Retail Committee and to City Council at key milestones 31 STAKEHOLDER WORKING GROUP
Interest Areas Stakeholders
Business (9) Commercial property (2), Chamber of Commerce (1), Retail (2), Restaurant (2), Personal Services (1), Other business (1) Community Partners (4) Stanford University (1), Palo Alto Historical Association (1), Silicon Valley Bike Coalition (1), Community/youth/children services (1) Residents (2) Resident from Downtown District (1), Palo Alto Neighborhoods (1) 32 PROJECT TIMELINE
AND NEXT STEPS
33 TENTATIVE PROJECT TIMELINE
2024
Spring 2026 – Spring 2029Fall 2024 – Early 2026June -September • Confirm vision/goals
• Revised concepts and
ROM costs
Meetings:
Retail Committee,
March, April
Council, June
• Preferred concept
• Implementation plan
(funding, phasing, etc.)
Meetings
:
Stakeholder Group, July
Retail Committee, August
Council, September
• Preliminary design, streetscape plan
& cost estimate
• Environmental assessment (CEQA)
• Engineer’s report for assessment
district planning
• City to retain a municipal bond
counsel for Assessment District
planning, election.
Meetings:
Retail Committee
Stakeholder Group
BCCs
Council
• Final design, bid and
award – 1 year
• Construction - 2 years
March-June
2025 -2029
34 NEXT STEPS
• Based on Council direction, commence stakeholder engagement and prepare a preferred concept design
• Present preferred concept design to Retail Committee in August and City Council in September
• Consultant contract amendment upon approval of preferred concept design • Assessment district feasibility and environmental analysis for approved design (fall 2024 - spring 2026)
• Design and construction (spring 2026 – spring 2029)
35 COUNCIL DISCUSSION
36 COUNCIL DISCUSSION – VISION AND GOALS
• Affirm Long-Term Vision
• Affirm Project Goals
• Maximize pedestrian and bicycle use
• Maintain vital 2-way vehicular access
• Maintain parking opportunities
• Maintain delivery and loading zones, rideshare
spaces
• Include performance space between Alma and
Middlefield Road
• Showcase unique character of University Avenue
• Explore opportunities to present public art and
provide technology exhibits
• Create gathering spaces
• Maximize opportunities for outdoor dining
• Explore cost-effective interim measures to show
progress
Celebrate the unique character of the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley” by creating a vibrant, visually attractive streetscape with spaces and elements that enhance the visitor experience, provide safe access for pedestrians and bicyclists, and encourage shopping, dining, and gathering. 37 COUNCIL DISCUSSION – BALANCING GOALS
Balancing Various Interests Across Goals Staff Recommendations Balance desire for outdoor dining and gathering spaces with on-street parking for retail customers
Retain at least 1/3 of on-street parking to support retail, capping number of parklets, and use wider sidewalks for outdoor dining, retail, and gathering spaces
Reduce congestion and enhance pedestrian and bicycle
experience while maintaining vehicular access
Maintain existing width of travel lanes on University Avenue, expand sidewalks, and encourage the use of Hamilton and Lytton Avenue as bike routes
Balance desire for special events while minimizing negative financial impacts on businesses from temporary road closures Seek additional stakeholder feedback to determine number and duration of events
Balance desire for wider sidewalks, gathering spaces, and enhanced streetscape with direction to explore lower cost alternatives
Do not reduce scope significantly as that does not support the vision
If phasing is desired, implement in no more than two phases to minimize total costs and negative impacts to businesses 38 COUNCIL DISCUSSION (contd.)
• Design Concepts and Images
Outdoor dining on sidewalks and in parklets
Expanded bulb-outs at intersections and mid-block
Expanded plazas at select locations
• Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
Stakeholder Working Group
Downtown and Palo Alto Community at Large
Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Retail Committee
City Council
39 RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council:
1. Receive an update and provide direction on long-term vision, goals, and design themes for the University Avenue streetscape project, including feedback on the project’s impact on street parking inventory, and the balance between project costs and scope; and
2. Provide feedback on the stakeholder engagement strategy for the University Avenue streetscape project
40 QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
Thank you!