Milpitas planning commission reviews "Rediscover Main Street" streetscape options, seeks public feedback

The City of Milpitas Planning Commission on Aug. 27 held a study session on the Gateway/Main Street "Rediscover Main Street" plan to gather early feedback on streetscape configurations, design palettes, an impact-fee study and a phasing schedule. Planning Director Jay Lee told the commission the study follows the Gateway Main Street Specific Plan and that staff will return to the commission for recommendation before the City Council considers adoption.

The planning director framed the timeline: "the comprehensive zoning ordinance, update phase 2 was adopted by the city council on August 12," Lee said, and staff plans to return to the planning commission on Sept. 24 and then to the City Council on Oct. 21 for recommendation and adoption steps tied to the wider specific-plan work. Consultant Anju Palta of Tool Design Group gave the presentation and summary of early findings and design options.

Why it matters: the study session focused on transforming Main Street from a car-oriented corridor into a people-oriented street that supports walkability, local businesses and public life while accommodating transit. Staff and the consultant said the work will produce final design documents, planning-level cost estimates, a phasing plan and an impact-fee nexus study to finance public improvements as development occurs.

Key findings and proposals Anju Palta, the project's lead consultant, said the project area runs from Weller Lane to Great Mall Parkway with the most intensive focus between Calaveras Boulevard and Curtis Avenue. She told commissioners the project team found "Main Street really has relatively low average daily traffic"…