Stanford University funded a cut-through traffic analysis as one of the agreements it made with the City of Menlo Park for moving forward with a potential project for the University-owned property at 500 El Camino Real.  The list of agreements negotiated by the 500 El Camino Real Subcommittee was reaffirmed in their July 14, 2014, letter to Mayor Ray Mueller and the City Council. As expected, the traffic analysis shows that the proposed project would likely impact traffic based on the City’s comparatively conservative thresholds. The analysis found potential traffic impacts at:

• Middle Avenue between University Drive and El Camino Real,
• Cambridge Avenue between University Drive and El Camino Real,
• University Drive between Middle Avenue and Cambridge Avenue, and
• Yale Road between Middle Avenue and Cambridge Avenue.

The study indicates that the proposed development could potentially result in traffic impacts and/or area impacts not previously studied in the El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This could result in the preparation of a project-level EIR if the project moves forward as proposed.

As noted in the Program EIR, the need for additional project-level analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is one of several typical outcomes for projects proceeding under the Specific Plan. A similar determination was made a few months ago regarding the 1300 El Camino Real project.

In response to the study, Mayor Mueller said, “It is great news to be receiving the information provided by the 500 El Camino Neighborhood Cut-Through Analysis, and to be releasing that information to the public. The information contained in the study is critical to the ongoing discussions between the 500 El Camino Real Subcommittee comprised of Councilmember Keith and myself, and Stanford Real Estate, regarding the viability of their proposal. It is noteworthy the study indicates the need for an Environmental Impact Report, and is evidence that the impact limits set by the Specific Plan are definitive and enforceable to protect the quality of life of Menlo Park residents in a pragmatic public process.”

The report will be posted to the City’s website and available on the 500 El Camino Real Project page beginning Monday, September 29, 2014.

For more information, please contact Economic Development Manager Jim Cogan.