Reso PC22-07 0080 PC Reso Recommending Approval of the Transit District Amendments to the General Plan and DTPP

Browse Search

Vibrant and walkable destinations such as restaurants, shops, public art, and open-air markets are highly desired adjacent to the station. The presence of nature, landscaped open spaces, and shade will enhance the Transit Center experience. 3.2.4 OTHER POTENTIAL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS B) Main Street Parking Lot Reconfiguration The Main Street Parking Lot (in the interior of the block bounded by Broadway, Main, Middlefield, and Jefferson) is located in a key part of Downtown. Redwood City was founded near this block, which has been at the core of the city for more than 150 years. Redwood Creek flows through the center of the block, although it was placed underground in a box culvert in the 1930s. This block, which is owned by the City, has rich potential to be reconfigured to function as a more active and dynamic part of the district. It is recommended that the City explore options for a beneficial transformation and intensification of this area. Possibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: - Assembly with adjacent parcels and redevelopment as retail, housing, and/or office uses - A public parking garage (see 3.2.4 (d)) - A downtown park - A “daylighted” creek - A canal lined by restaurants It should be noted that all of the possible uses mentioned above are compatible with the land use regulations for this site as described in Book II of the DTPP. D) Additional Public Parking Although increased emphasis is being given to pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders, many Downtown residents, workers, and visitors will continue to use automobiles. The district currently has an adequate supply of parking, but as Downtown grows, its parking supply will need to be actively managed and adjusted to meet changing demands grow with it. Regulations for new development contained in Section 2.6 of this plan are designed to ensure that future projects provide parking spaces in an amount that is able to meet the demands of their users. While many projects will have no difficulty accomplishing this, many others may find it challenging or impossible due to factors such as small site size, Redwood Creek, irregular site shape, or a high water table. The “in-lieu” parking fee described in Section 2.6.2(B) was designed to allow for flexibility in such situations by allowing developers to satisfy all or part of their parking requirement by paying a fee. The City will at a later date uses this fee to increase the efficiency of the parking program and to create additional create public parking spaces. It is uncertain how much development will take place in Downtown, how quickly it will arrive, and what percentage of it will pay the in-lieu parking fee. It is possible, however, that within a short period there will be a need to use the in-lieu funds to construct a parking garage. It is recommended that the City develop a strategy for expenditure of the in-lieu parking fees dealing with such a circumstance, including identification of an appropriate site or sites. The City has also adopted a Transportation Demand Management Program to reduce single occupant vehicle trips to new development sites. The program requires investment in alternative modes of transportation and implementation of measures to encourage employees and residents to use these alternative modes. Page 22 of 45