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San Carlos and Belmont agree to upgrade Crestview–Hallmark emergency gate to improve evacuation access
Summary
After months of interjurisdictional work, San Carlos and Belmont approved an MOU to widen and clear an emergency gate between Crestview Drive and Hallmark Drive; the cities will split a one-time cost (about $45,000) for construction and Belmont will construct and maintain the gate while both agencies retain emergency-key access.
San Carlos and Belmont on April 27 approved a memorandum of understanding to improve the narrow emergency-access gate that links San Carlos’ Crestview Drive and Belmont’s Hallmark Drive, a long-standing concern for emergency responders and neighbors.
City staff and Deputy Fire Chief Greg Dun described the location as a narrow access point bounded by open space on both sides; the existing 10–12-foot gate was partly obstructed by a planter, boulders and other impediments that limited clearance for emergency apparatus. Staff said the gate had been mandated as a condition of development decades ago but record-keeping left responsibility unclear and raised local resident concerns that improvements could effectively open the neighborhood to general through traffic.
San Carlos and Belmont negotiated an agreement that splits the estimated one-time improvement cost (~$45,000) to widen and clear the access, move obstructions and add required signage. Under the MOU, Belmont will construct and maintain the improved gate (with San Carlos to pay its agreed share and review non-emergency maintenance), both cities’ police and fire units will have keyed access for emergencies, and parking signage/enforcement responsibilities in each jurisdiction remain with the city where the curb is located. Council voted unanimously to approve the MOU.
Deputy Chief Dun and staff emphasized the safety rationale: widening the gate will allow emergency engines improved turning space and help preserve evacuation routes, while interagency key access will shorten response time. Councilmembers thanked staff and Belmont for a coordinated process and noted the years-long effort required to reach agreement.
What happens next: Belmont will proceed with construction and San Carlos will remit its share per the MOU; both cities will maintain signage and boat access protocols, and emergency agencies will receive access keys.
