EDITORIAL: Hotel presents traffic challenge EDITORIAL: Hotel presents traffic challenge (August 10, 2005)

Although there is much more planning and regulatory work to be done before ground is broken for the 120-room hotel and office complex on Sand Hill Road, public comments at a city-sponsored meeting July 28 indicates that traffic impact is the major concern of neighboring residents.

The "scoping" meeting was designed to elicit comments and concerns that will partially determine what is covered in the environmental impact report for the complex, which would be built on 21 acres of Stanford land at Sand Hill Road and Interstate 280. Dallas-based Rosewood Hotels and Resorts is to manage the hotel, which will also include a health spa and conference center.

Many residents expressed concern about the complex generating more traffic on the busy Sand Hill Road corridor, which slows to a crawl during morning and evening rush hours as commuters head to and from Interstate 280.

Others wanted something done about traffic noise and some were sad to see that the now vacant triangular site will be developed along the scenic Interstate 280 corridor. Maintaining emergency vehicle access is another concern voiced by nearby residents, who said they sometimes feel trapped by the traffic along the busy road.

About two months ago, Stanford officials told the City Council that a preliminary traffic study estimates the office complex would generate about 1,101 vehicle trips a day. Other estimates were 746 daily trips for the hotel, 343 for the restaurant and 100 for the fitness center and spa. Many of the projected trips would connect to Sand Hill Road through a right-turn-in or -out access point midway up the hill from the northbound Interstate 280 off-ramp, although a final configuration has not been set.

Given Menlo Park's financial situation -- the city is seeking ways to cut $2.9 million in next year's budget -- it is difficult to imagine the City Council balking at this project, which will generate substantial sales and transient occupancy tax revenue.

If the completed EIR does suggest the complex will generate 2,290 or more trips a day in the already busy Sand Hill Road traffic corridor, it is going to be difficult to mitigate the impact. If that happens, the city will have to decide if the hotel and its increased revenue are worth the price of more rush-hour traffic on Sand Hill Road.

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