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Redwood City Nigh Speed Rail Impacts Study Project Understanding CALIFORNIA HIGH SPEED RAIL In November 2008, California voters approved Proposition 1A, which allowed for bonds to be issued, with up to $9 billion allocated toward a high speed rail (HSR) system. The California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) is the state entity charged with planning, designing, building, and operating the rail system. As proposed, the route will connect Anaheim /Los Angeles through the Central Valley to San Francisco, and later to Sacramento and San Diego-- - a distance of 800 miles. The train would be capable of a 220 mph operating speed and a travel time between Los Angeles and San Francisco of less than 2 hours 40 minutes. Average operating speeds within the urbanized portions of the Bay Area, however, are projected to be significantly less, up to 125 mph. The train is projected to carry 88 to 117 million passengers annually by 2030. The CHSRA has proposed Redwood City as a potential mid - peninsula stop behveen San Francisco and San jose; the other potential mid - peninsula stations are located in Mountain View and Palo Alto. Two alignment design options are proposed in the Preliminary Preferred Alternatives Report by the CHSRA: an aerial facility and an open trench /below -grade option. However, the CHSRA has indicated that the latter option is not feasible due to constraints regarding below-grade infrastructure and cost. Several Peninsula cities are contesting the aerial option because of its impacts on their communities. REDWOOD CITY CONTEXT Redwood City was originally a key shipping and commerce center along the peninsula. Today, the city prides itself on being the County Seat with many great assets including: a historic downtown, great climate and beautiful views, thriving port and bayfront rich with open spaces, and a diverse economy and population reflective of its past. The City is currently preparing an update to the General Plan, The General Plan guiding principles, adopted in 2006, provide a framework for how the city will develop and respond to change and growth pressures. These principles include planning for sustainability, preserving historic and neighborhood character, strengthening economic vitality, partnering with the city's neighborhoods to improve health, safety, and well being, continuing community participation, developing attractive, convenient transportation alternatives to the automobile, and designing active pedestrian and bicycle - friendly streets and public spaces. Preparation of a Downtown Precise Plan has been underway for a while, with adoption waiting for a revised EIR. Adoption is now slated for fall 2010; however, the Downtown Precise Plan was prepared before the HSR proposal was unveiled. STUDY OBJECTIVES This proposal is in response to the request for study of HSR impacts to Downtown Redwood City, The studywill examine implications, from a comprehensive urban context perspective, of various construction options (elevated vs, trench), as well as big picture analysis of implications of a Downtown station.