BOOK 26_1955-11-28 to 1957-06-17

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I� i u 15 letter pertaining to the City's position in this matter." The Clerk read the following letter written to the City Manager by Mr. Booker: "Reference is made to your letter of November 2, 1955, in which you make inquiry as to the progress which we have made in a study to determine the type of development that will ultimately be needed at the Five Points Inersection (State Highway Routes 2 and 107) in Redwood City. Your immediate concern with these studies related to their effect upon a future development plan for the extension, widening, and improvement of Spruce Street between E1 Camino Real ( State Highway Route -2) and the proposed interchange on the Bayshore Freeway at Spruce Street. You also inquired as to what assistance might be expected from the State in the financing of this project. I regret that due to the press of work on projects in San Mateo and other counties, we have been unable as yet to undertake additional studies at the Five Points IntArsection. We expect however, to start at least preliminary work very soon. Due to the complications of the problem and the necessity for careful study of not only the highway but the effect of the improvement upon the adjacent area, which will no doubt involve the development of several alternate plans, we do not ' anticipate completing a satifactory plan for some months. During the d8velopment of our plans we would welcome discussion with you or your staff, and we shall be glad to get in touch with you at that time. With respect to you question regarding State participation in the widening and improvement of 'Spruce Street, it would be necessary for the location to be adopted by the California Highway Commission as a highway routing prior to expenditure of and State Highway funds. It is my understanding that there is some disagreembnt among certain factions in Redwood City as to the use of Spruce Street as a State Highway route in preference to Main Street. Before any firm study is undertaken regarding the use of Spruce Street, it would be highly desirable that this'disagreemtn be settled. A formal expression by the City Council in the form of a resolution following public hearings on the advisability of removing the route from Main Street would be the proper way of setting forth officially the views of the City. There is, of course, no deterrent to the City itself undertaking the widening and improvement of Spruce Street as a City project. Financing from 51V gas tax funds would follow ,procedures for major street imp- rovements with which you arefamiliar. If such construction were under- taken on proper standards, it would be given careful consideration in any study of future highway routing. It is regretted that we have been unable to prosecute the Five Points project as rapidly as would be desirable, It is hoped that our studies can be undertaken in the near future. Yours very truly, B. W. BOOKER Asst. State Highway Engineer Councilman Britschgi was of the opinion that this should be set aside for a study meeting in January and he so moved, seconded by Councilman Royer. On the question there was discussion as to the routing of Spruce Street and what will happen. to Main Street. Council man Granger stated that Mr. Booker should be complimented for sending the Council a report regardless of what the outcome will be. Motion carried. Councilman Granger moved that Mr. Booker be thanked for his efforts regardless of the outcome, seconded by Councilman Stout and carried. RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS, CITY COUNCIL AND DEPARTMENT HEADS: Councilman Britschgi brought up the subject of intersection at E1 Camino Real and Whipple and the intersection at 5 Points. He stated that the State is of the opinion that the Council can not make up their minds on what they want to do in regard to these inter- sections. He further suggested that a traffic expert be hired to help. with the situation and solve some of the traffic problems. Councilman Royer moved that this should be re- ferred to the City Manager to come up with the recommendation, seconded by Councilman Britschgi. Chief Faulstich stated that they have many ideas as ,to what should be done but are held back by unavailibility of funds.,Motion carried. Councilman Britschgi reported that there was a flood at Middlefield and Spruce Street. He asked that this matter again be brought up for consideration. Councilman Britschgi moved