Not loading properly? View as Webpage.

Thank you for attending the Neighborhood Town Hall on October 15 for the neighborhood areas of Midtown and Palo Verde. We appreciate you taking the time to connect with neighbors and share input with the City. 

We’d love to hear from you on how you thought it went. Find a short survey here that will help inform future neighborhood town hall meeting planning. The Neighborhood Town Hall effort is a priority of the Palo Alto City Council and we are continuing to evolve how these are planned in partnership with Palo Alto Neighborhood leadership. 

Below is a summarized list of community input on topics important to you.

Watch the Oct. 15 Neighborhood Town Hall meeting recording.

Best,

Meghan

Summary of Resident Feedback Received on October 15, 2023

Retail Input:  

• A resident asked about the City’s economic strategy and how it ties to Midtown. Staff noted the strategy's priorities including focus on supporting our neighborhood business areas, go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/business   
• A community member asked about the City's commitment to keeping the current businesses impacted by the fire in midtown. City staff reinforced its commitment for the fire impacted businesses to stay.  
•  Concerns were raised about the parking lot experience at the Walgreens area. Staff noted that the parking lot involves several different owners and will look into possible improvements.
• A resident requested a car free streets status update. Council gave direction to staff on next steps at their meeting on November 6, 2023. An update was issued on November 16, 2023 here. For more on this effort go to: www.cityofpaloalto.org/carfreestreets
• A resident asked that the City lower sales tax and substitute for a citywide community benefit surcharge on sales tax. Staff highlighted that is not the current path. 
• A community member encouraged fast resolution to the businesses impacted by the midtown fire. City staff noted that all are eager to see things progress. 

Crime Input: 

Staff is looking into several traffic and safety items raised:

• Speeding in and around Ramos Park.  
• Abandoned bike issues. 
• Bushes restricting signs on Middlefield and other areas in Midtown. 
• Hoover Park access/crossing Middlefield safety issues.  
• Urged the City to go back to a full 4-way stop at East Meadow and Ross. 
• Meadow/Cowper traffic calming improvements needed to avoid accidents.  
• Timing of lights on Middlefield.

Other concerns/ input raised:

• HOA package theft concerns. The Police Chief shared safety tips and encouraged residents to call the police department to report stolen packages. He also connected directly with the resident after the meeting.
• Traffic cameras maintenance, recent crash involving a resident and lack of video coverage. The Police Chief connected with the resident after the meeting.
•  Attendees requested that the City host a potential community discussion on traffic and transportation. Staff is developing plans for a potential meeting.

 Housing Input 

• Planning customer service concerns were raised. Staff mentioned a recent audit and follow-up underway on several items for Council consideration in November. To share specific feedback about your experience, surveys are available for planning, development services, and inspection services.
• Questions were raised about Fabian/West Bayshore area planning. Staff noted that recent Council action provides direction to prepare a concept plan in partnership with Cal State San Luis Obispo that will look at issues like traffic, and services.
• A resident raised concerns about noise pollution and request of adding a sound wall near 101 and San Antonio noting all other cities have one.  
•  A resident asked about ADUs fence requirements. Staff shared existing process details and noted that there are not any requirements to have a property line fence. 
• Concern was raised about the Sutter 8-unit redevelopment to 12 units. For more on this specific project, including Architecture Review Board meeting details on November 2, 2023, go here. To track current planning projects, go to: www.cityofpaloalto.org/pdsprojects

Cubberley Update 

• Staff provided an update on Cubberley. There was no resident input received on this topic. On October 16, the City Council directed staff to work with a Council Ad Hoc Committee to develop a proposal for a lease with the School District for the portion owned by PAUSD, explore further purchase and finance options, and remove Terman Park land swap from consideration. Go here and click on item 13 for the meeting materials on the Council actions and next steps.

General Input 

• Fire Station 4 traffic and flow of construction vehicles. Temporary fire station will be located at Cubberley, committed to follow- up on construction routes and traffic mitigation. For the project page to track this project, go here.
• Parking planned at new housing developments on Fabian was raised. Staff noted in some areas State regulations override local regulations. 
• Ellsworth place sidewalk used for both bikes and pedestrians and Ellsworth/Middlefield intersection concerns were noted.
• There was a community question about the status of airplane noise. Vice Mayor Stone shared that work is underway on airport noise as City is directly partnering with SFO Airport, to influence alternative routes through SFO to the FAA directly. For recent updates on this effort, go here.
• A community member noted the timing of crossing guards leaving before the high school get out, and students crossing El Camino Real. Police Chief noted the concern and is looking into it.
• Mixed use projects, and removal/replacement of retail. Staff shared that earlier this year, the City Council approved an Economic Development Strategy for Retail. Go here for highlights.
•  A resident asked what could be done to develop more affordable housing. Staff noted the Housing Element planning effort underway. 
• A resident asked about the current Heat Pump Water Heater program and if the program will continue in the coming year. City Manager Shikada noted the heat pump water heater program will continue and encouraged sign-ups. Find program details go to: www.cityofpaloalto.org/switch  
• A resident asked about more housing and what can be done to support higher density. Vice Mayor Stone answered noting the special housing focus on El Camino as part of the solution; sharing that there needs to be a balance between housing and community benefits. Council took several actions on November 13, 2023 related to the City's Housing Element including approval of zoning changes to establish housing focus areas that support building more housing in certain areas close to transit to advance the City’s Housing Element and related changes to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Go here and click on item 9 for details.
• A resident asked about housing options near Deer Creek, Coyote Hill. Staff mentioned that this is not part of the plan at this time; the Housing Element looks at focusing housing transit and services. 
• A resident noted East Meadow/Fabian noise after hours, drag racing, and other issues. The Police Chief encouraged residents to call the Police Department when issues like this come up. The Chief followed up directly with the resident after the meeting.
• A resident noted savings residents would generate by line drying their clothes rather than using a dryer. 
• A resident urged neighbors to follow the Rail committee meetings and be engaged.  Go here for Rail Committee meeting details.