Menlo Watch: Council opts to continue commercial streamlining Menlo Watch: Council opts to continue commercial streamlining (October 05, 2005)

Despite the closure of two car dealerships on El Camino Real in five months, the Menlo Park City Council recommended last week that the city begin the third phase of a commercial streamlining study rather than initiate a separate study specifically designed for El Camino Real.

Commercial streamlining eases permit and public hearing requirements, accelerating business development in several zoning districts, including areas of Willow, Marsh and Middlefield roads and El Camino Real.

The city's community development department proposed a plan "that would embrace the spirit of commercial streamlining," but would focus primarily on developing El Camino Real, according to a staff report.

City staff has finished two phases of the commercial streamlining study that would update use categories and regulations in the zoning ordinances, but work on the third stage has been postponed since August due to a shortage of community development department staff.

"Staff was trying to refine the focus in response to recent happenings on El Camino Real," said City Manager David Boesch, who presented the report.

"Development is important everywhere, not just the El Camino corridor," said Councilwoman Lee Duboc.
Study session on Bohannon project

The Menlo Park City Council will hold a study session October 4 on a proposal by Bohannon Development Co. to build a 125-room hotel, an associated fitness center, several restaurants and about 514,543 square feet of office space near Marsh Road and U.S. 101.

Construction would take place on two sites -- 100-190 Constitution Drive and 101-135 Independence Drive -- and the project would require rezoning through an amendment to the general plan.

The study session is set for Tuesday, October 4, in the council chambers at 701 Laurel St. The meeting starts at 7 p.m.

City adopts fee to pay for street repairs

The city of Menlo Park has adopted a building construction street impact fee to help pay for street maintenance and repair.

Set to take effect October 31, the fee will amount to 0.58 percent of a construction project's value and will generate an estimated $393,000 a year, according to city staff.

Residential alterations and repairs and all projects under $10,000 will be exempt.

There is an annual funding gap of $1.3 million to maintain and repair Menlo Park streets, city staff reports.

The fee will be in effect three years unless renewed by the council.
City seeks grant to study sidewalk project

The city is looking to install sidewalks on Santa Cruz Avenue from Menlo Park's western city limits to University Drive.

At its September 27 meeting, the City Council directed the city manager to apply for a Caltrans grant to study the feasibility of installing new sidewalks on the 1.5-mile stretch of Santa Cruz Avenue.

The maximum grant amount is $250,000 with a local contribution of at least 20 percent, half of which may be in-kind contributions. Grant awards are due to be announced in June.

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