- A Technology Center addition to the Creative Arts Classroom Building (1 story over a basement)
- An Addition to Stent Hall to accommodate administrative offices, dining room, extension of student center and library (3 stories with height variance to match existing Stent Hall height)
- A Performing Arts Center (CUP previously granted as part of Gym and Creative Arts Classroom)
- Temporary portables in the “Oval” to accommodate users displaced during construction.
8. Storm Response Plan
Weather experts are predicting an El Nino pattern for the fall. Staff is updating the Town’s Storm Response Plan to stay ahead of the issues that might arise.
9. Menlo Atherton High School Growth
As the Council is aware, Menlo Atherton High School has a pending expansion project. The school projects that their student body will group by approximately 100 students eat year for the next 5 years. They expect to have 2,500 students by the end of their growth. Current figures show 2,300 students on the first day of school - August 18, 2015. The numbers will most likely adjust with transfers and satellite schools. The school boundaries now include all of East Palo Alto.
The School will be constructing two (2) 2-story classroom buildings. One will house 22 classrooms and be located on the east side of the school near the football field. The other building will house 7 classrooms and be located near the tennis courts off of Ringwood Avenue. Construction will begin soon and continue throughout the school year.
Several nearby Atherton residents have retained the law firm of Rutan & Tucker to represent them with concerns related to the Environmental Impact Report and development under the Facilities Master Plan.
10. ConnectMenlo EIR
As you may know, Menlo Park is proposing a major Comprehensive Planning Project on their east side (mainly east of US 101, but with some areas west of the freeway). The project has been named “ConnectMenlo.” In summary, it would facilitate development of an additional 2.1 million square feet of non-residential development and 4,500 additional multi-family residential units.
The City is in the process of initiating an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and has sent out a notice to adjoining jurisdictions requesting input on studies and analysis that should be included in the document. The Town is responding to that request. Once the EIR is produced, we will have the opportunity to provide specific comments on the EIR itself. The Notice of Preparation and project description can be found on the City of Menlo Park website under Community Development, Comprehensive Planning Projects - ConnectMenlo.
Our initial response advises that the following studies, analyses, and measures to mitigate impact must be undertaken:
- Level of service and stop/delay studies at the listed intersections must be undertaken. There should be a recognition and acceptance of the long-term Atherton policy of maintaining all streets in their present two-lane maximum width configuration.
- Fair Oaks/Middlefield
- Fair Oaks/Atherton Avenue/ECR
- Oak Grove/Middlefield
- Oak Grove/ECR
- Studies of transportation alternatives, including buses and shuttles facilitating interconnects between transportation hubs such as the Menlo Park Caltrain station and the project area must be undertaken.
- Studies of the project effects on emergency access to and through the Town of Atherton, particularly in view of the substantial increase in traffic that will result from implementation of the project.
- Studies of the effects, if any, of the project on the capacity and potential for flooding in the Atherton Channel in the Town must be undertaken.
- Analysis of the project’s impact on the air quality in Atherton must be undertaken.
11. HUD No. 15-084 - Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Final Rule
Linked here is a copy of a press release on HUD’s new AFFH Rule. Staff is in the process of evaluating local impacts, if any.
12. Recent CalWater Monthly Data for Atherton
Linked here is a copy of the most recent water data for the Town.
13. iLobby - Cafe in the Civic Center
As you know, the Town is committed to using as many touchpoints as possible to gather input on various issues. We were approached by local resident John Thibault regarding his project, iLobby and using it as a means to stimulate public conversation on a topic.
I will be working with John to see how it can assist the Town. We will use the Cafe in the Civic Center as the first topic.
14. Menlo Park Fire District Traffic Calming Devices
The Fire District shared online policy on Traffic Control Devices at the last meeting. They can be found online here:
15. Transportation Committee - Involvement
Staff met with the Chair of the Transportation Committee (and Council liaison) to discuss ways to obtain the TC’s feedback with respect to regional development projects and their impact. There will be a new regular item/update on the TC’s agenda to incorporate this feedback.