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Planning commission recommends City Council adopt downtown streetscape master plan aimed at wider sidewalks, protected bike lanes and a curbless 700‑block plaza
Summary
After an extensive presentation and public input, the Planning and Transportation Commission voted to recommend City Council adopt a downtown streetscape master plan that would widen sidewalks on Laurel to about 20 feet, create a linear promenade through the 700 block/Harrington Park, add protected bike lanes and rain gardens, and reorganize alleys and parking. The commission's recommendation will go to council for final adoption.
The Planning and Transportation Commission on April 7 voted to recommend that the City Council adopt a new downtown streetscape master plan designed to make downtown San Carlos more pedestrian‑friendly, greener and bicycle‑accessible.
City staff and consultant WRT presented a multi‑block design focused on three core areas: the downtown core (600–800 blocks of Laurel), St. Carlos Avenue as a gateway from the train station, and the broader downtown network including alleys and cross streets. Highlights include substantially widened sidewalks on Laurel (an increase from roughly 9½ feet to approximately 20 feet in key locations), a curbless pedestrian‑first 700‑block promenade that integrates Harrington Park, protected bike lanes on St. Carlos and El Camino Real, and a plan to replace diagonal “parklet” dining with storefront‑front dining zones.
Jim Stickley of WRT described the 700 block as a multi‑use linear plaza with rain gardens, groves of trees, sculptural benches and a pavilion that can host performances and markets. The plan envisions stormwater bio‑retention in rain gardens and continuous soil trenches to support larger tree canopies and improve shade and ecological benefits. The design also includes changes to El Camino Real and Britain to accommodate protected bike facilities and recommends reconfiguring on‑street parking from diagonal to parallel where needed.
Staff emphasized extensive community engagement in plan development: an 18‑member Downtown Advisory Committee met multiple times, the team held workshops and surveys, and targeted outreach to downtown businesses and stakeholders informed design choices. Commissioners and members of the public raised technical questions about canopy continuity for outdoor dining, bus stop islands, how curbless streets will be marked, alley sequencing and utility work for undergrounding overhead lines; staff and the consultant responded with phasing and technical clarifications.
On a roll call vote, the commission adopted a resolution recommending council adoption of the streetscape master plan; Commissioners Bundy, Anand, Castanita and Vice Chair Garvey voted to advance the plan; Chair Clemens was excused. Staff said phase 1 (the 700 block and Harrington Park) is moving into detailed design and the city seeks funding and construction readiness this year for initial elements. The commission’s recommendation goes to the City Council for final adoption and subsequent phased implementation.
