Council backs downtown improvement initiative and sets $300K design placeholder for PO plaza mural area

San Bruno's City Council approved an FY27 downtown improvement initiative April 14 that bundles zoning adjustments, two public‑art projects, focused street‑lighting improvements, and initial design work for a PO (passage) plaza mural site.

Community Development staff proposed changes to downtown regulations to encourage active uses and storefront improvements, two public‑art projects to be funded from the city art fund (derived from building permit art fees), and focused street‑lighting work targeted at dark spots near Posie Park and the south end of San Mateo Avenue. Staff recommended an initial design/implementation placeholder for PO improvements of $300,000 with a caveat that installation scope, final costs and maintenance plans would return to council for approval.

Council discussed whether paving at the PO drives most of the cost, potential partnerships with adjacent property owners, maintenance responsibilities, and the need for a photometric study of lighting needs across the avenue and city‑owned parking lots. Several council members urged faster action on lighting repairs and suggested solar‑powered fixtures as a possible retrofit for failing buried infrastructure.

Council voted unanimously to approve the tasks as discussed, including zoning changes, using the city art fund for the two public art projects, allocating a photometric lighting study for downtown, and placing a $300,000 design placeholder for the PO improvements with installation to be considered later.

Provenance: Community Development presentation and council motion, April 14.