Palo Alto Struggles to Plan for South San Antonio Growth

The South San Antonio area is slated for up to 2,000 new housing units in the next eight years under the City of Palo Alto’s housing plan. However, city infrastructure and particularly poor traffic management are complicating these plans. At a recent Planning and Transportation Commission meeting, commissioners agreed they would need to work closely with Mountain View on developing traffic, pedestrian and public transportation goals for the housing units to succeed.

Specifically, it was noted that the 1.8-mile stretch in the plan area lacks sidewalk connections, has gaps in trail networks and lacks access to public transportation. Additionally, it was noted that this area is heavily used by school traffic as well as commercial truck traffic. Other challenges for future growth include meeting flood zone requirements for new buildings.

Overall, Planning and Transportation Commissioners discussed with consultants several options for separated bike lanes, routes for trail connections and how to reroute neighborhood traffic, such as those going to schools, onto safer roadways. The plan area will include an updated bike master plan and continued planning on new housing growth. The corridor has also seen business and employment growth over the last several years, but consultants cautioned that development is starting to see stronger headwinds.

Source: Mountain View Voice

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