Issue date: July 28, 1999

Are conclusions of Smart Growth consultants valid? Council members don't think so Are conclusions of Smart Growth consultants valid? Council members don't think so (July 28, 1999)

Several Menlo Park council members question the validity of conclusions by Smart Growth consultants, citing contradictions in the research. Conclusions and facts listed below come from the consultants' reports and presentations

CONCLUSION: About half of the traffic on El Camino (the traffic situation intolerable to most residents) originates and terminates outside city limits and is just passing through Menlo Park. Thus, whatever measures are taken to limit development within the city, it appears that traffic conditions are not going to improve.

COUNCIL REACTION: Though half of the traffic on El Camino passes through Menlo Park without stopping, much of the city's traffic is "Menlo Park" traffic, caused by people who work, live or shop in Menlo Park. Menlo Park traffic makes up 54 percent of the cars on Sand Hill Road and 80 percent of the cars on Willow and Middlefield Roads. There is great opportunity to reduce this Menlo Park traffic by limiting employee counts or development, or by encouraging alternate transit, say some council members.

CONCLUSION: Large employment areas, such as the M-2 zone in east Menlo Park, home to the Bohannon office developments, Raychem Corp., and Sun Microsystems, should not be overlooked as an "economic powerhouse." These developments contribute to the city's coffers through high property tax revenues.

COUNCIL REACTION: Some council members take issue with calling the M-2 zone an "economic powerhouse." Though the area generates some of the highest property tax revenue in the city, it only contributes moderate sales tax revenue, the key source of city revenue. The downtown and El Camino corridor are the the highest revenue generators in terms of property tax and sales tax. Property tax revenue makes up 17 percent of the city's money, compared to 33 percent for sales tax revenue. "Property tax is not that exciting," said Mayor Paul Collacchi.

CONCLUSION: The consultants recommended adding employees and upgrading office uses in the M-2 zone of east Menlo Park to make transit options, including carpooling, more feasible.

COUNCIL REACTION: No good transit opportunities exist in the M-2 zone. Transit should be put in place before adding employees and increasing development, say some council members.