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Council accepts grant to study San Antonio Road; residents urge caution on trees and design
Summary
Council accepted a streets-focused grant and clarified the vote authorizes study and preliminary design work only, not construction decisions; multiple residents urged a robust public process and expressed concern about potential tree removal and other physical changes to San Antonio Road.
The Los Altos City Council unanimously approved acceptance of a grant related to streets work and emphasized that the action authorizes study and preliminary design only, not implementation of physical changes.
During public comment, several residents asked whether accepting the grant obligates the city to make specific changes to San Antonio Road. Commenters said they want safe routes for children but are concerned about losing plum trees and the overall character of the street if physical changes are implemented. John Bear cautioned against treating the opportunity like a "time share," urging the council to return the money if a project ultimately proves unsuitable. Phoebe Brick said she was "horrified at the thought" that plum trees could be removed and stressed the street’s importance as "the spine of our town."
Council members and staff repeatedly clarified that the consent vote authorizes acceptance of funds to study potential improvements and to begin public engagement; it does not approve installing bollards, removing trees, or eliminating medians. Council members directed that further project definition will proceed through public processes, including the Complete Streets Commission, and emphasized that the grant acceptance is an early step in a longer, public process.
The city then approved the consent calendar, including the grant item, by unanimous roll call (Lang, Meadows, Weinberg, Vice Mayor Fleger, Mayor Daly — all yes).
