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Commission finds Middle Plaza development agreement in compliance; Stanford outlines plaza activation plans
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved the annual review of the development agreement for Middle Plaza (500 El Camino Real); Stanford representatives described plaza programming plans and commissioners discussed the project’s $6.34 million funding condition tied to an undercrossing design and grant timing.
The Menlo Park Planning Commission on June 8 reviewed and approved the annual compliance report for the Middle Plaza development agreement at 500 El Camino Real, finding the property owner in good‑faith compliance for the April 2025–March 2026 reporting period. The motion to accept the report passed unanimously.
Emily Richardson, speaking for the Stanford property management team, said the plaza has hosted some public programming (coffee‑cart events) and that the team plans more community activation this summer, including music, a flower market and food trucks. Richardson also said the landlord is actively marketing available office space and is pursuing tenants for a vacant building on site.
Commissioners asked staff and the applicant about the interaction between the development agreement and a planned Caltrain undercrossing. Staff cited Section 1.24 of the development agreement and said the DA’s initial 10‑year term could be extended if the city makes substantial progress; if conditions are met Stanford would contribute approximately $6.34 million toward the crossing per the agreement. Staff noted the city has recently amended an MOU with Caltrain to advance undercrossing design and that a grant application related to the crossing is pending.
Commissioners also raised questions about affordable housing on the site; staff and the applicant said the eight Below‑Market‑Rate (BMR) units were previously reported as occupied and that the applicant would follow up with an updated waitlist number.
The Commission approved the annual review report and moved on to the study session on SB9 and zoning amendments.
