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Palo Alto commissioners recommend dedicating Measure E site as parkland after lengthy debate
Summary
After presentations and public comment on ecological value and long‑term wastewater needs, the Parks & Recreation Commission voted to recommend the City Council dedicate 10 acres of the Measure E site as parkland while staff retains responsibility to study future biosolids needs on the adjacent 2.4‑acre parcel.
Chair Freeman and the Parks and Recreation Commission on June 23 recommended that the Palo Alto City Council adopt a park dedication ordinance to rededicate the Measure E site as parkland, following a staff presentation and consultant study of wetland connectivity and bio‑solids facility options.
The commission’s decision followed a staff presentation by Tina Fam, senior engineer for the regional wastewater treatment plant, who summarized the long‑range bio‑solids facility planning effort and said staff’s initial recommendation was to “recommend … dedicate 7.7 acres of the Measure E site as parkland” while reserving roughly 2.4 acres near the plant for potential future treatment uses. Rinkcon consultant Travis Belt told the commission that the study found the site “already functions as habitat and supports wildlife movement and hydrologic connection in its current state,” and that targeted habitat enhancement would likely deliver more ecological benefit than large‑scale excavation to create a continuous wetland corridor.
Supporters and opponents filled the public‑comment period. Doug Peterson, a wildlife advocate who submitted a report to the commission and the Valley Water board, warned the commission that a broken SLE tide gate is “undermining the ecological health of the 600‑acre Palo Alto flood basin.” Steven Rosalum, who said he campaigned for Measure E in 2011, urged honoring voter intent to treat local waste but backed the staff plan to restore 7.7 acres as parkland with minimal soil disturbance. Several speakers urged full rededication of all 10 acres while others emphasized the city’s regional wastewater responsibilities.
In the commission discussion, staff described constraints on the 7.7‑acre portion — capped landfill soils, groundwater monitoring wells and a landfill flare — that limit heavy grading or structural loading. Staff also outlined operational uncertainty: the plant currently hauls dewatered solids off site (roughly two to three trucks per day, modeled to grow about 20–25% after a 2029 process upgrade) and contracts are short‑to‑medium term; potential state regulations for PFAS/PAS and changes in hauling costs were identified as triggers that could require on‑site treatment in the future.
Chair Freeman moved that the commission recommend council adopt a park dedication ordinance designating the Measure E site as parkland; the motion passed on a roll call: Klein House — yes, Smith — yes, Axelrod — no, Freeman — yes, Deng — no. The motion directs the city to pursue rededication consistent with the commission’s recommendation and asked staff to continue technical work on bio‑solids planning and funding options.
The item now moves to the City Council. Staff said the rededication proposal and the long‑range bio‑solids facility plan will be returned to council for further consideration and any required environmental review. The commission’s action is advisory; any change to park dedication would ultimately require council action and, depending on charter requirements, voter approval.
