Menlo Park and El Camino Real: Past, Present, and Future

Join us for a presentation and discussion on the past, present, and future of El Camino Real.  El Camino Real is the backbone of the Peninsula, as it connects historic downtowns and is rich in amenities, including large central parks, diverse shopping opportunities, and Caltrain, BART, and bus service.  Yet El Camino Real has the potential to be so much more for those who live, work, and commute along it.  By rethinking where homes and jobs are located, we can improve community health, support local businesses, and provide more options for getting around.  El Camino Real has changes a lot since it was first paved in 1912; where might it take us in the future?  Join the conversation and share your thoughts with us!

Read more: GBI Walk the Talk Forum - Menlo Park - January 26th

The Grand Boulevard Initiative was mentioned in this interesting article about the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority's plans for Bus Rapid Transit on El Camino Real.

http://www.mercurynews.com/traffic/ci_19175306

The California Highway Design Manual draft revisions for complete streets are now available for review and comment. The Division of Design, working with staff and others, has prepared proposed revisions to the Highway Design Manual (HDM) to address the Department's policy on Complete Streets - Integrating the Transportation System, DD-64 R-1.  Comments are due by July 8, 2011.

The full document as well as a summary of the proposed changes can be found at the link below.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/oppd/Draft-HDM-Complete-St/.

The Grand Boulevard Initiative recently won a $1.1 million federal TIGER II Planning grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation as well as a $1.7 million grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. The GBI's TIGER II application was one of only 33 successful planning applications out of hundreds and only 3% of the funding that was requested by all TIGER II applicants was awarded. Both of these wins are a major contribution towards advancing the GBI vision. A hearty congratulations to all Grand Boulevard Initiative project sponsors, Task Force members, Working Committee members, and staff.

Read more: Grand Boulevard Wins Two Major Grants

Last May, the Grand Boulevard Initiative received the Distinguished Leadership Award of Excellence from the Northern California chapter of the American Planning Association (APA). The Initiative has now gone on to win the state-level award from the California chapter of APA! The State award will be announced at the APA California 2010 Conference. Congratulations to all Grand Boulevard member agencies and staff!