New flood-modeling points to 'cut-and-fill' approach and three redevelopment concepts for University Boulevard buyout area

Mimi Wagner of Confluence summarized a year’s worth of flood-model refinement and concept planning for the University Boulevard buyout area (Walnut Creek corridor). The updated hydraulic model refined the buyout boundary and clarified that a railroad-bridge constriction is a major hydraulic control. Consultants studied multiple engineering alternatives and concluded the most balanced approach is to cut (excavate) south of University Boulevard and place fill north of it, creating ~250,000 cubic yards of cut and a similar volume of fill to gain storage capacity without significantly worsening flooding in Windsor Heights.

Mimi presented three concept options for the north side of University Boulevard: (1) low-density single-family redevelopment paired with wetlands and green infrastructure; (2) medium-density mixed housing (townhouses, multifamily and mixed-use pockets) with trails and stormwater features; and (3) a higher-revenue mixed-use concept that includes raising a portion of University Boulevard above the 500‑year elevation and creating contiguous open-space connections to the greenbelt. Staff and consultants emphasized the trade-offs: moving large volumes of soil is expensive, utility and easement acquisition will be required, and careful staging will be needed to avoid adverse effects on Windsor Heights. No final land‑use decision was requested; staff said a refined implementation plan and funding strategy will return to council in roughly 30 days with more detailed materials.