Placemaking In Downtown Specific Plan

Notes:
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All the community proposals for public spaces were totally ignored by subsequent city councils.
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The proposed plan to use three parking lots for affordable housing will eliminate possible alternative future uses of this land. This is a major constraint.

Vision (2008)

In July 2008 the Menlo Park City Council unanimously accepted the El Camino Real / Downtown Vision Plan. “It includes a strategy for implementation of public space improvements, such as wider sidewalks and plazas, and other infrastructure improvements. The overall intent of the El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan is to preserve and enhance community life, character and vitality through public space improvements, mixed use infill projects sensitive to the small-town character of Menlo Park and improved connectivity. The Specific Plan reflects the outcome of an extensive community outreach and engagement process.

Downtown Specific Plan (2012)

The City Council approved the final Downtown Specific Plan in July 2012 – almost thirteen years ago as of February 2025. Amendments to the Specific Plan were made in 2014, 2018, 2021, and 2024

Downtown Public Placemaking

In the Downtown Specific Plan residents proposed the creation of three integrated pedestrian-friendly, public spaces.

  • A paseo (promenade) on Chestnut (South) between Menlo Avenue and Santa Cruz Avenue
  • A central plaza on Santa Cruz between Chestnut (North) and Crane (North)
  • Two pocket parks (Crane North and Chestnut North)

The Santa Cruz Avenue Central Plaza provides a public space where the street remains open to traffic but on street parking is removed, the street surface is raised flush with wider sidewalks, and a unified pavement runs seamlessly from building to building. This section of street can be closed for special events.
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The Chestnut (South) promenade provides space for temporary vendors, benches, additional landscaping, and events.

Current Status (February 2025)

The current 12+ year- old Specific Plan is clearly outdated!

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