By: Nikki Nagaya

The City was thrilled to host a ribbon cutting for new sidewalks on Santa Cruz Avenue Thursday, Aug. 31! The project represents incredible efforts of collaboration and patience by all those involved in construction, including 54 residences, St. Raymond’s Church & School community and Menlo Park City School District partners. Residents and school staff, parents, and children dealt with construction impacts over the last year, and everyone’s patience and awareness kept travelers safe throughout the construction. At least 15 different City engineering staff touched and shaped the project to deliver the new sidewalks and repaved streets over the life of the project, along with assistance from critical agency partners from the West Bay Sanitary Sewer District and Calwater, who expedited work underground to deliver new utility infrastructure for water and sewer lines. This project was a major capital investment by the City, at approximately $3.4 million that was prioritized by budgeting surplus funds for the project’s construction in 2016. The project was completed significantly under budget and a month ahead of schedule in time for children to return to school in late August. It is a great example of a successful project that can occur when an entire community rallies together to see projects completed.