Council authorizes $1M MOU amendment with Caltrain for Middle Avenue undercrossing design

The Menlo Park City Council on April 28 authorized the city manager to execute a $1 million amendment to the city's memorandum of understanding with Caltrain to advance design and environmental clearance work for a planned pedestrian and bicycle undercrossing at Middle Avenue.

Public Works Director Azalea Mitch told the council that current design stood at about 35% and that advancing to detailed, bid‑ready documents (roughly 95%) would require more funding. "The $1 million would allow us to reengage the design team and advance the environmental documentation so we can pursue construction grants," Mitch said.

Caltrain staff described the project as highly ranked in corridor planning and confirmed there is federal earmark funding in process; Sherry Bullock of Caltrain said the corridor application window includes awards ranging from $2.5M to $25M and that Caltrain’s partnership will strengthen grant competitiveness.

Several residents voiced concern about the project's total price tag and the city's ability to fund the remaining design and construction shortfall. Opponents stressed the risk of continuing to spend local funds when large construction grants are uncertain; proponents said shovel‑ready status is often necessary to secure construction funding.

Council voted to advance the $1M amendment by majority, with Councilmember Drew Combs recording the dissent. Staff said it will return next month with a CIP plan to reallocate transportation impact fee (TIF) resources and specify the remaining funding steps needed to reach shovel‑ready design and a construction funding strategy that could include federal grants.