No Sidewalks for Allied Arts

City of Menlo Park Sidewalk Master Plan January 28, 2009

•Sidewalks required throughout Menlo Park•Allied Arts considered a high-priority area•No plans at this time to install sidewalks •New construction and remodels required to install sidewalks at homeowner cost•Piecemeal approach, “sidewalks to nowhere”

Why no sidewalks: rural feel

This area has a rural feel. Many homes date from the 30’s and 40’s.

Why no sidewalks: heritage trees

We have many heritage trees, some of which have won heritage tree awards from Menlo Park, a “tree city”.

Why no sidewalks: fixed obstructions

Fixed obstructions such as telephone/electrical poles.

Why no sidewalks: mature landscaping

Mature landscaping and fences…Homes built close to the street

Why no sidewalks: hardscaping

Walls and fences(and trees, and poles).

Why no sidewalks: children at play

Sidewalks do not support children’s play, such as basketball, football, roller hockey, bike riding – all activities happening daily on our streets.

Why no sidewalks: people enjoying our streets!

We use our streets to relax, walk, exercise, talk to neighbors, take our kids or dogs for a stroll…. In fact, many people from adjoining neighborhoods use our area for these activities. Our streets are always full of walkers, strollers, children at play, and bike riders.

Why no sidewalks: variances

Some neighbors have received variances from the city to not install sidewalks. Example: 900 Cambridge

Why no sidewalks in Allied Arts?•Very little through traffic, mostly used by local residents•Creek boundary on one side•Multiple stop signs, almost every corner •Already considerable foot traffic, bikes, and children playing safely in the street•No pedestrian/vehicle accidents recorded by city•Very low daily vehicle counts•Bike commute path to Stanford because of bike bridge over creek

Requests Review petition submitted to the city

which shows overwhelming support against sidewalks

Suspend required sidewalk segments for new construction/remodeling

Clarify Menlo Park Sidewalk Master Plan as pertaining to Allied Arts