resolution re cal ave streetscape proj

8/8/2019 Resolution re Cal Ave Streetscape Proj

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TO: HONORABLE CITY COUNCILFROM: CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING ANDCOMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTDATE: DECEMBER 6, 2010 CMR: 419:10REPORT TYPE: CONSENT CALENDARSUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for the

Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) and/or CongestionMitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Funding for theCalifornia Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Project and Conlmitting theNecessary Non-Federal Match and Stating the Assurance to Complete theProject

RECOMMENDATIONStaff recommends that Council adopt the attached resolution to authorize the Santa Clara CountyValley Transportation Authority (VT A) to submit an application for the California AvenueTransit Hub Corridor Project to the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MTC) and to commitfunding if the proj ect is approved.BACKGROUNDThe Santa Clara County Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) released a call for projects forthe Community Design for Transportation (CDT) Program on August 6, 2010.The CDTProgram funds proj ects that provide or enhance connections between land uses to transitfacilities such as streetscape projects. In response to the call for projects staff prepared anapplication for the California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Proj ect between El Camino Real andthe California Avenue Caltrain Station to provide place making, traffic calming, and streetscapeimprovements.

The project is an ideal candidate for the CDT Program, enhancing the connection betweenexisting residential and comnlercialland uses to the existing transit facilities at each end of thestreet, with Caltrain on the eastern end and VTA transit facilities on the western end. The proj ectscored well during the CDT project evaluation process and is currently being recommended forfunding to the VT A Board of Directors. If approved, a recommendation to MTC will be madefor funding of the proj ect through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement(CMAQ) program fund.

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DISCUSSIONThe California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Project was developed through an extensivecommunity outreach process to solicit input on the proposed proj ect elements. Staff held fivecommunity meetings including two with merchants along the California Avenue BusinessDistrict, one with residents of the Park Boulevard Homeowner's Association, and two area-widecommunity meetings. The proposed streetscape elements of the project are intended to enhancethe street's aesthetics and pedestrian environnlent and build comnlunity interest within theCalifornia Avenue District. The project is also an element of the California AvenuelFry's AreaConcept Plan Comprehensive Plan currently under development.Unique project elements include decorative street signs and markers to promote place-makingand provide message areas to promote Palo Alto and district-specific history. Expanded seatingareas along the project area are also proposed to help promote the successful restaurants in thearea and provide seating for community events such as the Farmer's Market. The existingCalifornia Avenue Park Plaza adjacent to the Caltrain Station is also identified for revitalizationwith this proj ect, including enhanced bike rack facilities, information kiosks to promote theCity'S Bicycle Plan currently under development, and seating areas with gaming elements topromote community interest.The project cost is estinlated at $1,725,200 for design and construction. The grant wouldcomprise $1,175,200 and a local match in the amount of $550,000 is required. To help expeditethe project, grant funding is only being requested for the construction phase of the project, so thatthe environmental and design phases may proceed immediately. A mid-year budget adoptionwill be pursued to identify local-match funding if the project is recommended for funding by theVTA Board ofDirectors.The environmental phase will include a traffic analysis and completion of CaliforniaEnvironmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements for the project. The traffic analysis willinclude the collection of traffic data on California Avenue, Cambridge Avenue, ShermanAvenue, Ash Street, Birch Street, and Park Boulevard so that a 4-lane to 2-lane reduction onCalifornia Avenue may be considered. Traffic data collection began on Novetnber 2, 2010including traffic volumes, pedestrian and bike volumes, and vehicle speeds. The traffic analysiswill be presented to the community at a meeting on December 16, and will then be considered bythe Planning and Transportation Commission and City Council.The proposed resolution authorizes filing of the California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor projectfor future funding from the state's Surface Transportation Program (STP) managed by theMetropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) with funding from the Congestion Mitigationand Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program. Federal funding will be available in February2012 allowing more than one year for the project design to be completed.Pending Community Concerns and Final Design ReviewThe community has generally supported many of the design components of the CaliforniaAvenue Transit Hub Corridor project, including parking increases and bulb-out improvements,but there remain project details that require additional community outreach, such as whether toprovide tables for outside dining, benches or trees in the bulb-outs, and final configuration of the

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California Avenue Park Plaza design. Of particular concern to many meeting participantshowever, was the proposal to convert California Avenue from a 4-lane section to a 2-lanesection. This winter staff will be completing a traffic study to determine whether this is a feasibleelement of the project. A community meeting to present the findings of the study is scheduled forDecember 16, followed by a presentation to the Planning and Transportation Commission andCity Council for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) certification. Staff is hopefulthat the traffic study findings and community input will support the grant project concept so thatdesign on the remaining project elements may begin in the Spring. The design would becompleted over a 12-month period with construction beginning in spring 2012.Staff also notes that Council has received multiple communications from Mr. William Ross,representing several property owners and tenants along California Avenue. The followingresponses are provided to three ofMr. Ross' primary concerns:1. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Review and ApprovalMr. Ross has objected to proceeding with the grant and design review prior to CEQA review. Atraffic study is currently underway and CEQA review will be part of the considerations by thePlanning and Transportation Commission and Council review in early 2011. Detailed design ofthe project will not begin until after CEQA review and approval.2. Parking Assessments .Mr. Ross has stated that the Chief Transportation Official Jindicated that the propertyownerslbusinesses would be responsible for paying (through assessments) for the improvements.Staff acknowledges that there may have been misunderstanding about this option. One of theproject elements includes the addition of bulb-outs along California Avenue for the planting ofadditional trees, use for additional public art, or for the installation of tables and seating foroutside dining. If tables and seating were implemented, one option would be to lease that publicspace to an adjacent restaurant to help reduce maintenance costs for the tables. Currently, anyoutside seating tables on the concept plan are proposed as open space and all construction costswould be borne by the City (supported by the grant).3. Street ReconfigurationMr. Ross has objected to pursuing the grant in that it locks the City into a 2-lane option onCalifornia Avenue. The grant request is for the construction phase of the project, estimated tobegin in Spring 2012 so if the Council determines in early 2011 that the 2-lane configuration isnot desired, either 1) staff will explore whether some or all of the grant could still be availablefor different improvements along California Avenue, or 2) the funding could be abandoned.RESOURCE IMPACTThere is no immediate resource impact in submitting the resolution for the project so thatfunding may be considered by the VTA Board of Directors. If the project is funded, a mid-yearbudget adoption will be pursued to identify funding estimated at $1.7M. Approximately $1.2Mof the project for the construction phase would be grant-reimbursed. The current traffic study isfunded by the existing California Avenue CIP.

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POLICY IMPLICATIONSThe City's Comprehensive Plan recommends streetscape and place-making improvements alongCalifornia Avenue to ensure continued growth of the California Avenue Business District. Theaction recommended by this report is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan recommendations.ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWAdoption of this resolution is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA). CEQA analysis for the California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor project will becompleted at a later date, if the funding is approved and prior to Council approval of the projectdesign.

PREPARED BY:Chief Transportation 0

DEPARTMENT APPROVAL: ~ r t . . ~ CURTIS WILLIAMSDirector, Planning and Community Environment

CITYMANAGERAPPROVAL:City Manager

ATTACHMENTSA. Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for the Federal Surface TransportationProgram (STP) and/or Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ)Funding for the California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Proj ect and Committing theNecessary Non-Federal Match and Stating the Assurance to Complete the ProjectB. Copy of the California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Project Application

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* NOT YET APPROVED *Resolution No.----Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo AltoAuthorizing the Filing of an Application for Federal SurfaceTransportation Program (STP) and! or Congestion Mitigation

and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Funding for theCalifornia Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Project andCommitting the Necessary Non-Federal Match andStating the Assurance to Complete the Proj ect

Attachment A

WHEREAS, the City of Palo Alto (herein referred to as CITY) is submitting anapplication to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for $1,175,200 in fundingfrom the federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) and/or Congestion Mitigation and Air.Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program for the California Avenue - Transit Hub CorridorImprovements (herein referred to as PROJECT) for the MTC Resolution, No. 3925, New FederalSurface Transportation Act (FY 2009-10, FY 2010-11 and FY 2011-12) Cycle 1 STP/CMAQProgram: Project Selection Criteria, Policy, Procedures and Programming (herein referred to asPROGRAM); andWHEREAS, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: ALegacy for Users (SAFETEA) (Public Law 109-59, August 10, 2005) continued the SurfaceTransportation Program (23 U.S.C. 133) and the Congestion Mitigation and Air QualityImprovenlent Program (CMAQ) (23 U.S.C. 149) through Septenlber 30,2009; andWHEREAS, SAFETEA has been extended pursuant to Public Law 11-118 and maybe subsequently extended pending enactment of successor legislation for continued funding; andWHEREAS, pursuant to SAFETEA, and the regulations promulgated thereunder,eligible' project sponsors wishing to receive federal Surface Transportation Program andlorCongestion Mitigation and Air Quality Inlprovement Program (STP/CMAQ) funds for a projectshall submit an application first with the appropriate Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO),for review and inclusion in the MPO's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP); andWHEREAS, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is the MPO forthe nine counties of the San Francisco Bay region; andWHEREAS, MTC has adopted a Regional Project Funding Delivery Policy (MTCResolution No. 3606, revised) that sets out procedures governing the application and use of

STP/CMAQ funds; andWHEREAS, CITY is an eligible project sponsor for STP/CMAQfunds; andWHEREAS, as part of the application for STP/CMAQ funding, MTC requires aresolution adopted by the responsible implementing agency stating the following:

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* NOT YET APPROVED *1) A conunitment ofnecessary local matching funds of at least 11.47%; and2) The sponsor understands that the STP/CMAQ funding is fixed at the programmedamount, and therefore any cost increase cannot be expected to be funded withadditional STP/CMAQ funds; and3) The project will comply with the procedures specified in Regional Project

Funding Delivery Policy (MTC Resolution No. 3606, revised); and4) The assurance of the sponsor to complete the project as described in the-application, and if approved, as included in MTC's TIP; and5) That the project will comply with all the project-specific requirements as set forthin the PROGRAM.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of PaloAlto as follows:SECTION 1. The officers of the CITY are authorized to execute and file anapplication for funding for the PROJECT under the Surface Transportation Program (STP) and

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) of SAFETEA, anyextensions of SAFETEA or any successor legislation for continued funding.SECTION 2. The CITY by adopting this resolution does hereby state that:

1. CITY will provide $550,000 in non-federal matching funds; and2. CITY understands that the STP/CMAQ funding for the project is fixed at the MTCapproved programmed amount, and that any cost increases must be funded by theCITY from other funds, and that CITY does not expect any cost increases to befunded with additional STP/CMAQ funding; and3. Applicant understands that $(N/A) is greater than the Applicant's (STP/CMAQ

Amount) Regional Local Streets & Roads formula share of Local Streets & Roadsprogramming, and that the Applicant will forgo future programming shares until theamount of the overage $(N/A) is reached. (This requirement does not apply toCITY, only to applicants who received an "augmentation" greater than $100,000 inthe Local S t r e e t s . ~ & Roads program only)4. CITY understands the funding deadlines associated with these funds and will complywith the provisions and requirements of the Regional Project Funding Delivery Policy(MTC Resolution No. 3606, as revised); and5. PROJECT will be implemented as described in the complete application and in thisresolution and, if approved, for the amount programmed in the MTC federal TIP; and6. CITY and the PROJECT will comply with the requirements as set forth in the

program; andSECTION 3. CITY is an eligible sponsor ofSTP/CMAQ funded projects.SECTION 4. CITY is authorized to submit an application for STP/CMAQ funds forthe PROJECT.SECTION 5. There is no legal impediment to CITY making applications for thefunds.

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, Attachment B

Community Design & Transportation

CAPITAL GRANT APPLICATIONCalifornia Avenue-Transit Hub Corridor ImprovementsPalo Alto, California

California A venue Business District(View toward Caltrain station)Submitted to the Valley Transportation Authorityby the Planning and Transportation Department,City of Palo Alto

October 4,2010


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&',.". l W . m ( ~ Valley Transportation Authority VTA Revl-l02610COMMUNITY DESIGN AND TRANSPORTATION (CDT)

BLOCK GRANT CAPITAL FUNDS APPLICATIONSECTION ONE: PROJECT SUMMARY

Project Title California Avenue -Transit Hub Corridor EnhancementProject Description The California Avenue-Transit Hub Corridor Enhancement

project between EI Camino Real and the California AvenueCaltrain Station includes the implementation of newcommunity identity markers; bicycle-pa rking andcommunity focused improvements at the California Ave -Caltrain Plaza; transit-stop focused improvements;, trafficcalming improvements such as 4-to 2-traffic lane reduction& raised table crosswalks, enhanced roadway delineationand parking stations, high visibility pedestrian-activatedflashing beacons, and bulb-out improvements throughoutthe corridor that alsQ function as outdoor dining areas,and a new outdoor community stage.

Grant Funds Requested fXICMAQ $ 1,175,20'0' DTE(Construction Phase Only)

local Match (20'% Min/phase) $550',0'0'0'Total Project Cost $1,725,20'0'Member Agency City of Palo AltoContact Person Jaime O. Rodriguez,

Chief Transportation officialAddress Department of Planning and Community Environment

250' Hamilton AvenuePalo Alto, CA 9430'1

E na iI Add ress [email protected] (650') 329-2136Fax (650') 617-310'8Other Project Partners


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California Av - Transit Hub Corridor EnhancementsValley Transportation Authority - CDT Program

SECTION ONE: PROJECT SUMMARY

1. Issue statement that clearly identifies the purpose, need and expected outcome(s) of theproject.The California Avenue-Transit Hub Corridor Enhancement project will transform CaliforniaAvenue between EI Camino Real and California Avenue Caltrain station into a communitycorridor with transit, bicycle and pedestrian focused transportation treatments; renovatethe California Avenue Caltrain Plaza into a vibrant hub for bicycle-commuters and visitors;and provide best-practice pedestrian-scaled improvements throughout the corridor to spuron-going economic development activity and growth. The proposed project Plan LineConcept is provided in Attachment 2 - California Avenue - Transit Hub CorridorEnhancement - Plan Line.

2. Include a map and/or photos showing the location of the project within 1/3 mile of a transitstation, core and/or corridor; Current and proposed land uses.California Avenue - Regional InfluenceCalifornia Avenue is identified by the VTA as a significant Transit Corridor ahd Station Arealinking EI Camino Real with the California Avenue Caltrain station. Located at west end ofthe project area at EI Camino Real is the future Bus Rapid Transit station identified as part ofthe VTA's efforts to comply with the Grand Boulevard Initiative project. The VTA iscurrently completing the design phase of the Bus Rapid Transit project and the City of PaloAlto is an active participant in that process. A strong pedestrian and bicycle focusedcorridor along California Avenue as proposed through this project will provide the final linkbetween the Bus Rapid Transit and the California Avenue Caltrain station. Within the sametrack right-of-way as the Caltrain facility is the future California High Speed Rail project.The California Avenue Caltrain station serves the Stanford University Research Park,adjacent nationally-recognized high tech centers with companies such as Hewlett-Packard,Facebook, and Genencor, VMWare, and a transit-oriented conscious community adjacent tothe station area with Palo Alto Central Condominiums serving as the first transit-orienteddevelopment in the region. The California Avenue Caltrain station boasts some of thehighest bicycle activity in the County of Santa Clara with over 100 peak hour boarding; thisis echoed with the high amount of bicycle activity on California Avenue throughout the day.Palo Alto is participating in the VTA's Bike Share program that will continue to enhanceactivity at the California Avenue Caltrain station. In addition, the City is entering intodiscussions with adjacent high-tech centers to sponsor additional Bike Share pod stations tobe located at private facilities to further expand the Bike Share program and specifically, topromote bicycle ridership to California Avenue.

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California Av - Transit Hub Corridor EnhancementsValley Transportation Authority - eDT Program

With the amount of regional transit activity in Palo Alto, this project provides a uniqueopportunity to transform California Avenue into a bicycle and pedestrian corridor with localand regional amenities that continue to promote transit use, support local growth andbusiness, and provide a safer environment for commuters as transit activity in and aroundthe region intensifies. This will be accomplished by deemphasizing vehicle transportationmodes through a 4- to 2-vehicle lane reduction, redevelopment of the California Plaza into abicycle and pedestrian hub, installation of decorative crosswalk speed tables withpedestrian-activated flashing beacon warning systems, and bulb-out treatments that willhouse unique California Avenue markers and landscape treatments.Bisecting California Avenue along the project corr idor are significant bicycle routes includingEI Camino Real, identified on the VTA and City bicycle plans, and Park Blvd, an existing Class2 bike route that is also identified asa future Bike Boulevard on the Palo Alto BicycleTransportation Plan.California Avenue - Local BackgroundCalifornia Avenue is currently designated as "Regional/Community Commercial" under PaloAlto's Comprehensive plan and provides Community focused land uses including dining,personal-service retail, grocery markets, and small office commercial. The project area issurrounded by single-family and multi-unit housing and commercial uses. The City'sComprehensive Plan includes policies for expanded high-density residential uses on andalong the corridor that will benefit from the proposed project by helping to create a uniqueresidential district unlike any other in Palo Alto with distinctive community markers that willbe located along EI Camino Real and along California Avenue. The markers will provideidentify for the community as well as serve to promote community activities and events forvisitors, and provide historical information about the community and the city.

Figure 1 - Project Area Map

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VTA Revl- 102610

California Av - Transit Hub Corridor EnhancementsValley Transportation Authority - COT Program

Provided in Attachment 3 is a more detailed Project Area Map with Transit Overlay.Attachment 4 includes a Local Land Use and Development Activity Map on and alongCalifornia Avenue.A Plan Line of the proposed California Avenue - Transit Plaza project is provided inAttachment 1 and highlights public transit connections & improvements, traffic calmingtreatments, and pedestrian-bicycle enhancements.

3. Proposed project cost estimate and scheduleThe California Avenue -Transit Hub Corridor Enhancement project is estimated to costapproximately $1.7M for design & construction. The city is proposing a local match of$550,000 for the overall project.The environmental and design stages of the project, estimated at $225,000, will be coveredone hundred percent by the City to help expedite the project readiness of the project. Theconstruction phase is estimated to cost $1.5M and the City is proposing a $325,000 localmatch or 22% for the construction phase.To help expedite the project readiness, the City is only requesting funds for the constructionstage of the project. The environmental and design stages will be funded 100% by the Cityas will the street resurfacing component of the project and therefore not included in theproject estimates.

The requested VTA - Project Schedule and Cost Estimate Form is provided in Attachment 5.A more detailed project schedule by task is also provided in Attachment 6- City of Palo AltoProject Schedule.

4. Any ancillary information and Letters ofSupport that will inform the evaluation process.Included in Attachment 10 are Letters of Support fo r the project from the followingagencies or organizations:

Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee Palo Alto Housing Corporation

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SECTION TWO: PROJECT NARRA TIVE(Use Section Two to respond to the Project Evaluation sections of COT Program Goals, Project

Context and Setting, Project Readiness, and Project Benefit)1. COT PROGRAM GOALS

The proposed California Avenue Transit Plaza project is a great example of the City's effortsto implement the Valley Transportation Authority's (VTA) - Community Design &Transportation (COT) policies - Manual of Best Practices. The project includes elementsthat touch on every aspect of the COT Program and have been developed through anextensive community outreach process to ensure community support.The California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements project is an extension of theCity's Comprehensive Plan and consistent with the policy recommendations of our BicycleTransportation Plan. Specifk elements consistent with the goals of the COT programinclude: Place Making: Each of the elements in the proposed plan includes

features that will help to make California Avenue a uniquedistrict within the City of Palo Alto, Santa Clara County andthe Peninsula. On EI Camino Real new identify markers,shown in concept as made of Rammed Earth structures,are proposed to bring attention to California Avenue andto distinguish the area. The structures serve as bothidentify markers and establish color patterns and palettesthat are continued throughout the project area.Within the right-of-way of California Avenue each sectionof the street will be distinctively separated from oneanother including marked Sharrow travel lanes to beshared between vehicles and bicyclists. Separating thetravel lanes and parking lanes will be new 3-ft decorativebands that break up the street and continue the colorpalette of the identifying markers. To tie the streettreatments to the pedestrian new pedestrian-scaledmarkers will be installed at selected new planter areas topromote community activities and events and to providehistorical information about California Avenue and the Cityof Palo Alto. large shade trees to encourage continuedpedestrian activity along the corridor will also be providedwithin the planter areas.

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2. PROJECT CONTEXTAND SETTING

Project Scope


The proposed project is consistent with the CaliforniaAvenue PTOD by contributing to a street environment thatencourages use of alternative modes of transportation.

The California Avenue - Transit Hub Corridor Enhancement project ties together the transitfacilities on EI Camino Real and the California Avenue Caltrain Station. The project includesthe following elements: Identity Markers along EI Camino Real and throughout California Avenue, Redevelopment of the California Avenue Caltrain Plaza that serves as an entrance to the

Caltrain Station and undercrossing, A 4- to 2-lane vehicle lane reduction to promote a safer bicycle and pedestrianenvironment,

Use of unique color palettes in both the street surface and above-ground structures topromote the development of a Sense of Place within the community, .

Traffic Calming treatments including bulb-out to reduce crosswalk lengths at selectintersection's to promote mobility choice,

Raised table crosswalks made of colored concrete with decorative scoring treatmentsand supplemented by high-visibility pedestrian-activated flashing beacons to promoteawareness of pedestrian activity,

Pedestrian-level streetscape furniture throughout the street, and A more efficient use of public parking space to promote continued economic vitality.Land Use DevelopmentThe Palo Alto Central development built in early 1980s at California Avenue and Park Blvdwas the first transit-oriented development in Santa Clara County. The recently adoptedCalifornia Avenue PTOD continues to promote mixed-use activity on and along CaliforniaAvenue; over 400 residential units are planned or were recently buil t. This project will serveas a catalyst towards continued redevelopment by providing an environment that isconducive towards pedestrian and bicycle activities.Table 1 highlights the private development projects immediately within the project areaand their status. Attachment 4 also demonstrates Housing Density & Occupancy by BlockGroup and Locations of Proposed Housing Development Activi ty.

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Table 1: Residential & Mixed-Use Development in the Project Area

1 Sunrise Senior Housing Built 81 10002 195 Page Mill (Apts) Planning 84 14003 2051 EI Camino Real (Apts) Built 2 11004 Stanford Mayfield (Condos) Planning 70 2005 Stanford Mayfield (SFH) Planning 180 30007 2650 Birch St (Condos) Planning 4 8508 385 Sherman St (Condos) Planning 3 4009 420 Cambridge A v Planning 4 400(townhomes)

Total Planned Residential Units: 428Public Transportation ConnectivityThe project area is located immediately adjacent to existing and future transit facilities ofregional significance including the existing Caltrain - California Avenue Station, the existingEI Camino Real Transit Routes, future EI Camino Real Bus Rapid Transit Station, and localStanford University Marguerite and VTA routes. These existing public transit uses providedirect transit access to some of the most influential and renowned private facilities in theworld including Stanford University Research Park, Hewlett-Packard and Facebook to namejust a few. Planned business expansion from companies such as Facebook, America Online,and Hewlett-Packard are anticipated in 2011 near California Avenue.The funding of the California Avenue Trans Hub Corridor Enhancement project will help tosustain and promote growth of public transit activities by providing a comfortable and safeplaza for traveling between transit stations while at the same time helping to build a newidentity for the California Avenue PTOD community. California Avenue provides the highest

Proposed Cal Av amount of bicycle boarding's to a Caltrain station in the regionPedestrian Alley Enhancements with over 60 peak hour bike trips and another on-going 30 non-

peak bike trips on a daily basis (Aug 2010 data). Weekendbicycle activity is even higher with regular Farmer's Marketactivities on California Avenue between EI Camino Real and AshStreet within the project area; an optional Community Stage nearAsh Street will help to promote these types of continuedactivities and provide opportunities for longer-term streetclosure to sustain community and economic developmentactivities.Enhancements to alleys along the corridor will be provided to .help enhance pedestrian connections to existing surface parkinglots and to link and promote redevelopment to adjacent streets.

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3. PROJECT READINESS

The City has developed the California Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Enhancement projectthrough an on-going dialogue with the California Avenue business and residentialcommunities. The project is ready to move forward into the environmental and designstages if the construction phase is funded by the VTA CDT program. Historical informationregarding the City's public outreach process for the project is available at:http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/pwd/news/details.asp?NewsID=1394&TargetID=145

The environmental stage is envisioned to be a relatively minor process with a focus on atransportation study to validate the proposed 4- to 2-lane reduction and providerecommendations for traffic improvements to adjacent streets. Traffic counts collected byth e City do not show any significant impact with the lane reduction on California Avenue.Upon award of grand funding for the project, the City will complete all necessary CEQA andNEPA clearances to satisfy the requirements of the Caltrans Environmental Review process.There are also no drainage or tree impacts to existing facilities and the project provides anincrease in on-street parking availability. The project is entirely with the City right-of-wayand no new permits or easements are needed.To expedite the project, the City will fund both the environmental and design stages of theproject so that when funding becomes available in February 2012 the City can immediatelymove forward with construction.

4. PROJECT BENEFITThe City conducted an extensive community outreach process for the develoment of thisproject with merchants, property owners and local residents. The concept plans weredeveloped with input from the City's Bicycle Advisory Committee and with the generalpublic through citywide community meetings. Pending environmental review, the projectis supported largely by the public.Our project sponsor, Caltrain, identifies the benefits of the project through the continuedpromotion of the California Avenue Station and its ties to existing and regional transitfacilities including Bus Rapid Transit, local community shuttles, and the California HighSpeed Rail connection.

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The following is a partial list of most important benefits that the project will provideconsistent with the COT Program - Best Practice Principles and local planning documents: Integrate Transit and Create a Multimodal Transportation System

The project links existing public transit facilities along EI Camino Real with the eXistingCalifornia Avenue Caltrain Station both visually and functionally through aesthetic andfunctional traffic calming treatments along California Avenue. These improvements willbe extremely important as the VTAs Bus Rapid Transit project, promoted in the regionalGrand Boulevard Initiative project vision.Of the 34 train stations along the Peninsula, the California Avenue Caltrain station ranks11th in ridership. Caltrain recently completed plat form improvements at the stationalong with adding a pedestrian tunnel that allows passengers to safely access platformson both sides of the tracks. This has allowed Caltrain to increase the number of trainstops at the California Avenue station and fo r the bus line activity on California toincrease as well, increasing inter-model transit opportunities.Existing transit and shuttle facilities on California Avenue are maintained and enhancedby the addition of concrete bus pads, custom preformed thermoplastic markers withVTA and Stanford Marguerite logos, and shelter enhancements at Park Avenue.

Intensity Land use andActivitiesPlaza

PedestrianProposed within theproject is theredevelopment of theCalifornia Avenue Plazathat provides direct accessto the Caltrain station anda pedestrian and bicycleundercrossing connectionto the east side of AlmaStreet.The city views the redevelopment of the plaza as a significant community feature to thatwill both help to promote land use activities and promote continued use of publictransit including Caltrain, VTA and the Stanford Marguerite shuttle.The city has budgeted approximately $300,000 in the project budget for the renovationof the plaza as part of this project. The City and Caltrain have been in discussiondesigned to seek cooperative service improvements such as the relocation of the 42bike lockers that are owned and managed by Caltrain off of the existing plaza and onto

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the Caltrain surface lot or the station platforms providing for unique opportunities torevitalize the plaza into a pedestrian and bicycle focused amenity for the community.The City plans to implement decorative bike l o ~ k e r s with canopy shelters andinformation kiosks to bring awareness and use of local and regional bicycle facilities.The tunnel at the plaza connects North California Avenue to California Avenue servingover 2,000 p e d e s t r i ~ n s and bicyclists per day, including many school-aged childrenwhom walk or bike to school. Angled parking along the plaza will be relocated creatingopportunities to redistribute the existing bike racks and additional ones around amature grove of trees complimented with game tables and seating areas that will helpthe plaza to become a vibrant pedestrian plaza and gateway feature for this end ofCalifornia Avenue.

Establish Streets as Places - Traffic CalmingThe project provides for a 4- to 2-vehicle travel lane reduction that is supplemented byvisual separation of street uses including travel lanes and parking lanes through the useof 3-ft wide colored concrete or paver bands. This decorative band also serves tocontinue the promotion of a unique "sense of place" for the transit corridor through thecontinuation of color palettes used in the new markers.The project corridor has four existing mid-block crossing locations, three of thoselocations will be upgraded to raised crosswalk tables that will be constructed out ofcolored concrete that matches the paver band colors separating the vehicle travel lanesfrom_the parking lanes. The raised crosswalk tables wil l include decorative score marksand patterns that will be developed through a community process as part of the ongoing design of the project. The raised table crosswalks will also include pedestrianactivated flashing beacon warning systems for enhanced pedestrian awareness, visibili tyand safety.

Focus on Existing Areas and Design in ContextThe project will install Sharrow bicycle facilities to promote the continued sharing oftravel lanes between vehicles and bicyclists. The Sharrow use with proposed angledparking along California Avenue was proposed by the City due to the significant amountof bicycle activity to and from the Caltrain Station. To further ensure bicycle safety forthe corridor, the decorative 3-f t paver band that separates the vehicle travel lanes fromthe parkfng lanes and raised concrete crosswalk tables will help to reduced vehiclespeeds and provide constant reminders to motorists as to the presence of bicycleactivity in the roadway. A removal or conversion of angled parking to accommodatebicycle lanes facilities was not supported by the community or the City's PABAC. PABACis in support of the Sharrow with angled parking concept.

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Pedestrian-scaled improvements include bulb-outs throughout the corridor that willhelp to reduce v e ~ i c l e speeds, provide locations for the installation of unique elementsfor pedestrians such as the illuminated markers or large shade trees to provide a morecomfortable environment for travelers between transi t stations.

Manage Parking

Throughout the corridorthere are also additionalamenities that will beprovided within theexisting sidewalk zonesincluding decorative parkbenches, trash/recyclereceptacles, consolidatingnews racks andinformation kiosks.

This project provides for strategic place making elements while better managing andincreasing parking availability, uses that would typically conflict with one another. Theproposed project provides an additional 24 on-street parking spaces throughout theproject area.

Public ArtCalifornia Avenue has 14 distinctive pieces of public art including a fountain that iscurrently undergoing redevelopment through a separate project. The pieces are in goodcondition and will help to promote California Avenue as an attractive transit corridor.Where public art seating treatments can be expanded as part of the proposed streetplan line.

SustainabilityThe City of Palo Alto is committed to sustainability and has adopted "green" policies andcost-benefit analysis to achieve environmental benefits. Accordingly, the City intends toinclude as many sustainable design features as possible in the project including droughtresistant landscaping, "smart" irrigation systems, benches made from recycle materials,and recycling c o n t a i n e r ~ .

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California Av - Transit Hub Corridor EnhancementsValley Transporta tion Authority - COT Program

SECTION THREE: ATTACHMENTS

Attachment12345678910

DescriptionCDT Grants Project Review ChecklistCalifornia Avenue Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements - Plan LineProject Map with Transit OverlayLocal Land Use and Development Activity MapVTA Project Schedule and Cost Estimate FormCity of Palo Alto Project SchedulePhotographs Depicting Existing ConditionsIllustrations of Proposed Street furnitureIllustrations of Park Blvd Plaza ImprovementsLetters of Support

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ATTACHMENT1.. CDT GRANTS PROJECT REVIEW CHECKLISTVTA is required to review and approve the final project designs for eDT CapitalGrants projects to ensure that projects are consistent with the conceptual designssubmitted as part of a sponsor's application to VTA. Please initial the following andhave the City Manager sign off and date at the end of the checklist.

1. Project Sponsor will provide VTA with an apopted council resolution within 3months after eDT Program approval. ~ 0 ( l .

2. Project Sponsor will invite VTA to all design development meetings. . j u ~ 3. Project Sponsor will obtain CEQA and NEPA clearance for the project.

~ o ' L 4. Project Sponsor will complete a field review through Caltrans Local Assistance

within 6 months of VTA grant approval. JuJ...5. Project Sponsor will provide VTA with photographs of the existing cc;mditions of .

the project. _ . J . i J ~ 1 ~ _ 6. Project Sponsor will meet with VTA to review project design at 35%, 65%, and

100% and allow VTA to comment on the plans. ~ 0 ~ 7. Project Sponsor will send afinal PS & E package to VTA for design review

approval and Caltrans Local Assistance for final approval. _JJ:_.Q__8. Project Sponsor wil l obligate all federal funds by February 1, of the year of

programming. To obligate funds, Project Sponsor must receive an E-76 forconstruction. _ ~ _ [ l _ . __9. Project Sponsor will advertise the project and award a construction contractimmediately after receipt of B-76 for construction. .Jo\L.

10. Project Sponsor will construct the project within 2 years after receipt of E-76 forconstruction. jJu.. . .

11. Project Sponsor will invite VTA to participate in any public ceremonies held inc o ~ e c t i o n with the project. ... ~ c ) 0-

12. Project Sponsor will acknowledge VTA'sJunding contribution on all on-siteproject signage and on all printed materials distributed to the public that arerelated to the project. ~ 0 ( l - -

q. 10: I l ):Sate


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/

11-~

Attachment 2

California Av - Transit Hub Corridor Enhancements ProjectDRAFT Plan Line

Seating Area

1>7"

'" -' :--- - -:'L" , Iiii'" - " ' i . " ... ,' __ ' t; , ,

.- , , . . . . . - ~ .......- ~ ~ ; ~ - ' . _ ~ : j i : ;r...

60-Degree Parking Spaced at 9Existing Parking SRaces: 111Proposed Parking Spaces: 135

Plaza Option 1 Plaza Option 2f'!!' ',- ., ' ~ ; '.=, ~ ~ ' I

':"",":._', ,!' C - - _ . , ~ . - " ' . : +4 1

~ J , - : : ' : ' i - 7 . ' ~ ' .": - . r:.- ' .: ~ - - : . ~ ~ " - - ' ~ . _ ~L...lt....-.'>o


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: Priority Development Area (PDA)of Population and Housing data,

of Palo Alto Planning Division ' \ . . . ~ o 0.25 05 ". 11 inch equals 0.25 miles I Miles

California Avenue Area NeighborhoodsHousing Density and Occupancy By Block Group andLocations of Proposed Housing

IAttachment


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ATTACHMENT 5 VTA Rev1 - 102610PROJECT COST AND SCHEDULE ESTIMATES

City/Town of Palo AltoContact Name: Jaime RodriguezContact Phone: 650-329-2136Contact email: [email protected] Title: California Avenue-Transit Hub Corridor Enhancement

PROJECT COST

PROJECT FUNDS LOCAL LOCAL OTHER FUNDSPHASE REQUESTED MATCH $ MATCH % TYPE/$

ENV $ - $ 25,000 100.0%$

PSE $ - $ 200,000 100.0%$

ROW N/A N/A N/A $

CON $ 1,175,200 $ 325,000 22.0%$

TOTAL $ 1,175,200 $ 550,000

-

-

-

-

PROJECT SCHEDULE(rnm/yy)

START DATE END DATE

02/11 10/11

N/A N/A

02/12 09/12


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City of Palo Alto - California AvenueProject ScheduleLast Update: October 4,2010

No

123

89

101112

Street Resurfacing Design35% DesignComm Meeting #165% DesignComm Meeting #2

13 95% Design14 Comm Meeting #31S 1001. PS&E

16 Submittal of PS&E17 E-761ssuancG-8 CounCi l Approval 01Bid Docs19 Advertise20 Review of Bids

ATTACHMEN

2115/1110114/113/141113/28/114/11/114/25/115/20/115/25/1110114111


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California Avenue-Transit Hub Corridor Enhancement projectExisting Conditions

California Avenue Business District entrance from EI Camino Real

California Avenue looking west towards EI Camino Real

Attachment 7


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Mid block crosswalk between Ash and Birch, looking east towards the Caltrain Station

California Avenue looking west towards El Camino RealAttachment 7


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PlazaAttachment 7


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Proposed Street Furniture

Bike Racks

Trash/recycling receptacles

Attachment 8


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Option 1

Option 2

Attachment 9Illustrations of Plaza Improvements


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PABACPaloAlto,licyele,.AclvlsaI!Y Commltt.e

September 23, 2010

Jamie RodriguezChief Transportation OfficialPlanning & Transportation DivisionCity of Palo AltoP.O. Box 10250Palo Alto CA 94303

Re: Community Design and Transportation (CDT) application: California Avenue StreetscapeImprovements project

Dear Mr. Rodriguez:The Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC) is pleased to support the City'sapplication for the Community Design and Transportation (CDT) grant, sponsored by the ValleyTransportation Authority (VTA). PABAC endorsed the preliminary concept plan and proposal toapply for CDT funds for the project.The committee strongly believes that the plan would improve safety for bicyclists andpedestrians, and address the need for improved and additional bicycle parking. PABAC believesthe reduction in lanes from two to one in each direction, and the conversion of parallel parking todiagonal parking will not be a hazard for bicyclists. The new 2-lane street configuration willprovide a more comfortable travel way to be shared between vehicles and bicycles. The roadwaywidths will continue to be more than sufficient to permit bicyclists to avoid parked cars and topermit drivers to pass cyclists on the left, as they do now.The proposed improvements will make California Avenue more conducive to cycling, animprovement that would be greatly appreciated by all bicyclists.PABAC looks forward to further opportunities to provide input as this project moves forward.

Cedric de La BeaujardiereChair, Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee


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PALO ALTO HOUS INGC C> R P C> R A. T J C> N

725 Alma Street Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 321-9709 Fax (650) 321-4341

September 28, 2010

Mayor Pat Burt and Members of the City CouncilCity of Palo Alto250 Hamilton AvenuePalo Alto,CA 94301Re: Community Design and Transportation (CDT) GrantCalifornia Avenue Streetscape ImprovementsDear Mayor Burt and Members of the City Council:Palo Alto Housing Corporation (PAHC) is a private non-profit public benefit corporation that develops,builds, acquires and manages low-and moderate-income housing. With almost 700 units owned andmanaged by its related entities, it is the largest private owner of affordable rental housing In Palo Alto.Two of PAHC's developments are in the area to be affected by the proposed improvements in theapplication for California Avenue. PAHC supports this grant application.The population that PAHC serves near the California Avenue area includes families with children, theelderly, and those living with disabilities. California Park Apartments, at 2301 Park Boulevard, is adjacentto the California Caltrain Station. Its residents are families with maximum incomes of 600/0 of areamedian income. The Sheridan Apartments at 360 Sheridan Avenue is approximately four blocks away,serving elderly and disabled residents with incomes that average 400/0 of the area median Income. Lowto moderate income homeowners reside in Birch Court Condominiums at Birch and Grant, which PAHCbuilt in 1985. Improvements in pedestrian access, safety and aesthetics along California Avenue willdirectly benefit all of these residents.The proposed improvements will create a more attractive gateway into the California Avenue area andstrengthen the connection to transit options. More broadly, these improvements would reinforce theidentity of this special district and enhance the quality of life for those living in the surroundingneighborhoods.Sincerely,PALO ALTO HOUSING CORPORATION

;::t;Xa;:Executive DirectorCc: James Keene, City Manager

resolution re cal ave streetscape proj

Documents