Subject: Woodland Ave: Lets Pave the Way for Safety and Walkability (Resurfacing & Complete Streets)
Dear City Council Members,
"Resurfacing a street isnt just about smoother pavement; its about rebuilding community." This principle guides my advocacy for a holistic approach to street improvements, particularly as we consider the upcoming resurfacing of Woodland Avenue. I urge the council to seize this opportunity to fully implement our existing plans and address the long-neglected safety and walkability issues on this crucial corridor.
Woodland Avenue, slated for resurfacing this year, is a prime example of a street that fails to serve all users. Its a heavily trafficked route for pedestrians and cyclists, yet it lacks the necessary infrastructure to ensure their safety. Even driving on Woodland is hazardous due to its narrow width and the absence of usable walkways/sidewalks.
The recent construction of new homes on Woodland Avenue presented a perfect opportunity to rectify these deficiencies. Unfortunately, these opportunities were missed. Despite the Menlo Park Walkway Standards CG-1, which mandates that "the walkway standard… shall be that standard which most nearly matches the existing improvements in the neighborhood," no improvements were made. I was even informed by the Planning Department that they were either unaware of this standard or chose to disregard it, prioritizing drainage concerns over the established neighborhood character and pedestrian safety. This is unacceptable. The CG-1 standard exists for a reason, and it should be followed.
Specifically, the CG-1 standard outlines critical requirements, including:
* Consistency: Matching existing neighborhood walkway improvements.
* Minimum Widths: Specifying minimum widths for walkways and parking strip-walkways.
* Material Quality: Adherence to adopted "Standard Details" and City Specifications.
I urge the council to direct staff to:
1. Prioritize Complete Streets: Integrate the principles of the Transportation Master Plan, Vision Zero Action Plan, and AB 413 (Daylighting law) into the Woodland Avenue resurfacing project. This includes adding bike lanes, widening sidewalks to meet CG-1 standards, improving crosswalks, and implementing traffic calming measures.
2. Enforce Walkway Standards CG-1: Ensure full compliance with the Menlo Park Walkway Standards CG-1 on Woodland Avenue and all future projects. This includes acknowledging and adhering to the established standards for walkway width, materials, and consistency with existing neighborhood improvements.
3. Address Drainage Separately: While drainage is important, it should not supersede the established walkway standards. Explore alternative drainage solutions that do not compromise pedestrian safety and walkability.
Lets not simply resurface Woodland Avenue; lets transform it into a safe and welcoming street for everyone. Lets pave the way for a more walkable and bikeable Menlo Park.
Best regards,
Ken Kershner
Active Transportation Advocate, Menlo Park
