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Draft Ramona Street resurfacing and outdoor-activation rules draw mixed reaction from businesses
Summary
City staff presented a near-term streetscape and outdoor-activation proposal for the pedestrian portion of Ramona Street on June 18; the plan would repave the block in stamped colored asphalt, require at-grade dining with barrier planters and prohibit permanent roofs and electrical hookups in the near term.
City staff presented a near-term streetscape and outdoor-activation proposal for the pedestrian portion of Ramona Street at the Retail Committee meeting on June 18, and business owners raised concerns about design constraints, seasonality and cost.
The plan, developed by staff and consultant Hannah Chan Smith, aims to preserve the street’s Spanish Revival character, improve paving and tree wells, replace temporary vehicle barriers with permanent movable barriers, and establish a tailored set of outdoor-activation standards for dining and retail on the roughly 200-foot pedestrian block between Hamilton and University Avenue.
Why this matters: Ramona Street is a nationally registered historic district and a concentrated retail/dining zone in downtown Palo Alto; changes to paving, storefront activation and the parklet program affect property owners, longtime restaurants and the pedestrian experience.
Key elements of the staff proposal
- Design approach and materials: Staff recommended stamped, colored asphalt in warm, earthy tones to complement existing tile and stucco work and suggested…
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