Palo Alto Commission approves bike to school retail node on El Camino Real

The Planning & Transportation Commission of Palo Alto convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss key developments in the city’s planning initiatives, particularly focusing on the proposed bike-to-school node and the triangle node. The meeting began with a review of the bike-to-school node, where commissioners expressed support for its current design, which includes two parcels on the North Side, one of which is the Jiffy Lube site.

Commissioner Hackman initiated the discussion by affirming his support for the South Side of the node while seeking clarification on the rationale for including the North Side parcels. Vice Chair Chang and Commissioner G echoed the importance of corners for retail success, emphasizing the need for inviting spaces for businesses. The conversation highlighted concerns about the potential isolation of retail if housing developments proceeded without adequate commercial spaces.

A significant point of discussion was the classification of hotels under the retail preservation ordinance. Staff clarified that hotels are considered "retail-like" and thus fall under the ordinance's protections. This led to further deliberation on whether to include additional sites, such as the Zen Hotel and Hilton Garden, in the bike-to-school node, with mixed opinions among commissioners regarding their potential for retail development.

Ultimately, the commission reached a consensus to adopt the bike-to-school node as currently drawn, with a unanimous vote of 7-0 in favor. This decision reflects a strategic approach to urban planning, aiming to balance residential needs with commercial viability in key areas of the city.

Following this, the commission moved on to discuss the triangle node. The conversation centered around the inclusion of the Goodwill site, with commissioners weighing its potential for future development against the need for retail preservation. The commission expressed a willingness to support the triangle node as drawn, leading to another unanimous vote of 7-0.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the commission's commitment to thoughtful urban planning that accommodates both housing and retail needs, ensuring that Palo Alto remains a vibrant community for residents and visitors alike. The next steps will involve presenting these recommendations to the city council for further consideration.