WellQuest seeks approval for 16 assisted living units at Palo Alto Commons

The Palo Alto City Council convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss several key issues, primarily focusing on the proposed expansion of the Palo Alto Commons assisted living facility. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges related to parking and traffic, which have been significant concerns for the community over the past year.

The discussion began with a review of the planning commission's findings regarding the project, emphasizing that the addition of 16 new residential units is not expected to significantly increase traffic. Wellquest, the facility's operator, estimates that only one to two additional employees will be needed, along with periodic visitors. Council members acknowledged that the facility has historically underutilized its parking resources, a situation that has persisted for 35 years. Recent efforts have been made to improve parking access for employees and visitors, including the implementation of a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan.

Steve Sandholtz from Wellquest addressed concerns raised by council members and residents. He noted that over 80% of the facility's residents are from Palo Alto or have family ties to the area, underscoring the project's local relevance. Sandholtz also acknowledged past reporting issues related to the facility's operations and expressed a willingness to comply with any future reporting requirements.

To mitigate parking concerns, Wellquest has hired a valet service and incentivized carpooling among employees, investing approximately $225,000 annually in these initiatives. Sandholtz reassured the council that the facility is committed to addressing landscaping concerns and is open to suggestions from neighbors regarding tree planting for screening purposes.

The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on the growing demand for senior care services in the area, particularly as the population of residents aged 75 and older is projected to increase significantly over the next 30 years. The council recognized the importance of the proposed expansion in meeting the needs of the community's aging population.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing senior care services while addressing community concerns about parking and traffic management. Further discussions and follow-up actions are expected as the council continues to evaluate the project and its implications for Palo Alto.