URBAN REVITALIZATION/City designs a new image

Silicon Valley has become an area of economic prosperity and rapid growth as more technology companies head west, but East Palo Alto, Calif., has not enjoyed the success of its neighbors. Plummeting property values, dwindling resources and a deteriorating public infrastructure have contributed to the city’s weak economy.

To encourage economic revival in the community, the city has undertaken an urban design study, the results of which will be used to develop a master plan, according to City Manager Monika Hudson. Begun last summer, the study examines the city’s overall layout, location of city services, pedestrian areas, retail opportunities and green space.

As part of the study, the city partnered with the local San Mateo County chapter of the American Institute of Architects to form a committee focused on redesign and redevelopment to assist with plans for revitalization. The committee consists of urban planners, engineers, traffic consultants and volunteer architects. The city, along with the committee members, held a series of town meetings last fall to hear concerns and suggestions from the community. About 75 residents attended each meeting.

The team met for a nine-hour session in October to brainstorm about solutions to the problems and concerns expressed by residents and government officials. Members were split into teams, each of which was assigned a specific area for urban improvement. For example, one team completed a plan for housing and commercial mixed-use development on Bay Road at University Avenue; another was assigned the task of revitalizing retail shopping on Donohoe Street. Team members were supplied with drawing materials and other media to design and sketch their plans.

The city held a reception on the evening of the committee meeting so that the teams could present their sketches and ideas to city officials and the public. The city council will incorporate many of the designs into the master plan, Hudson says. “The [committee] provided the specifics we needed for the broad master plan,” she explains.

Following additional community-wide meetings, the city will complete its master plan early this year and begin redevelopment projects. Hudson says that plans include creating a traditional downtown at University and Bay roads in a central part of the city; adding more green space and open pedestrian space; developing mixed-use retail and commercial areas; and adding more residentialareas.

The city has started to see signs of economic redevelopment with the recent addition of some large retailers, such as The Home Depot. It also is trying to cater to the influx of residents to the Silicon Valley area. For example, a new housing community sold out its first phase of new homes in only 24 hours, Hudson says.

“We have the keyword everyone looks for – location, location, location,” she says. “East Palo Alto is a relative bargain compared to the rest of the area. We’re at the early stages of redevelopment, but we have a bright future.”

Sales tax revenue from residential and retail development will help fund the upcoming redevelopment projects. If necessary, the city also will apply for grants.