September 23, 2024 – San Carlos City Council to consider adopting a resolution approving refined street designs for downtown San Carlos
The City Council is scheduled to receive presentation on refined street designs and key findings from the traffic operations and parking demand studies as part of the Downtown Specific Plan + Streetscape Master Plan project at its next meeting on September 23, 2024. The Council will consider adopting a Resolution endorsing the refined street designs and directing staff to continue preparing the Downtown Specific Plan + Streetscape Master Plan.
The purpose of the September 23, 2024, City Council meeting is to present refined street designs (based on community input and Council direction from their June 10, 2024 meeting) and their effects on traffic and parking. Staff is asking the Council to consider adopting a resolution to endorse these refined street designs so that the project team can continue drafting the Downtown Specific Plan and accompanying Downtown Streetscape Master Plan. Although no final decision will be made, should the Council adopt the Resolution and approve the refined street designs, these drawings will serve as an imprint and influence the policies, standards, and specifications of the Specific Plan and Streetscape Master Plan as they continue to evolve and eventually be released for public review and ultimately, considered by the Council for formal adoption.
Summary of Street Design Changes:
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Significantly widened sidewalks (sidewalks proposed to be 20 feet wide on San Carlos Avenue and Laurel Street)
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Protected bike lanes (on San Carlos Avenue and El Camino Real)
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Improved outdoor dining space
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Urban greening: i.e. consistent street trees, tree “groves” (for shade) and rain gardens (for stormwater management)
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Other amenities such as outdoor seating, event and festival space accommodations, pavilions, opportunities for public art, drinking fountains, power outlets and charging stations
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Connectivity between Downtown, Caltrain, and East San Carlos for all modes of travel (enhancing the experience pedestrians and bicyclists, and Caltrain riders)
Summary of Outcomes as a Result of Street Design Changes:
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Added downtown vitality, vibrancy
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Improved shopping and dining experience
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Enhanced pedestrian experience
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Safer bike routes
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Increase in visitors
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More space for downtown programming, and activities
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Resulting in people spending more time in downtown San Carlos
Please join us at the September 23, 2024, City Council meeting.
A good plan involves everyone!
Questions? AdvancePlanning@cityofsancarlos.org
Highlights
San Carlos Downtown Specific Plan + Streetscape Master Plan
In partnership with the San Carlos community, the City is creating a plan for Downtown San Carlos that meets the needs of the community and businesses, now and into the future. The Downtown Specific Plan and Streetscape Master Plan will build upon what’s best and most loved about Downtown San Carlos, and take a close look at what needs updating or changing. The plan's focus is Downtown San Carlos, which is defined as Laurel Street, El Camino Real, and the cross streets from Holly Street to Greenwood Avenue.
The decisions we make collaboratively will shape Downtown San Carlos for years to come. The Downtown Specific Plan and Streetscape Master Plan are targeted for adoption in spring 2025.
