Redwood City council authorizes eminent domain filings for SR‑84/Woodside–US‑101 interchange

Redwood City Council unanimously adopted three separate resolutions of necessity authorizing the city attorney to file eminent domain proceedings for property interests needed for the SR‑84 Woodside Road–US‑101 interchange reimagined project.

Consultant Leo Scott of Gray, Bowen & Scott told the council the resolutions would authorize acquisition of (1) a partial parcel area at 1050 Broadway (LaSalle LP / area commonly known as 24 Hour Fitness), (2) full acquisition of 1201 Broadway (La Mirinda Development, commonly known as Denny’s), and (3) portions of 19 Seaport Boulevard (Harborview) required for ramps, road widening, and related utility and retaining‑wall work. Scott emphasized that compensation for taken property is determined through condemnation proceedings and that acquisition is necessary to accommodate realigned ramps, a class‑4 bikeway and pedestrian facilities.

Why it matters: The city says the $350 million‑scale interchange project is intended to reduce congestion, improve traffic operations and add pedestrian and bicycle connections across the US‑101 corridor. Council and staff said the project has a long planning history, NEPA/CEQA clearances from earlier phases, and funding from federal, state and local sources.

Owners and tenants raised concerns. Garrett Birkfeld, counsel for the owner of 1050 Broadway, said the staff report lacked supporting evidence and requested a site meeting and further negotiations. Jillian Levis, representing tenant 24 Hour Fitness, said scheduled acquisitions would eliminate parking and impede property circulation and urged the council to delay action until a site meeting occurred. "A site visit in good faith engagement with the city could result in potential alternatives that may minimize damages to the property," Levis said.

City response and vote: Special counsel Ben Stock told the council that offers required by statute had been made to property owners (title parties) and that valuation and access concerns are addressed through the compensation process; he said staff has met with property owners and would continue to negotiate. The council voted unanimously, in three separate motions, to adopt the resolutions authorizing eminent domain litigation for the three affected parcels.

Next steps: Staff said they will continue negotiations with property owners and, if necessary, file condemnation actions and deposit probable compensation with the state condemnation fund pending litigation. Council members said they expect continued outreach and negotiation efforts as the project moves toward final design and construction.