Grand Boulevard
What are we doing?
The Grand Boulevard Task Force is a broad federation of public and private parties that challenges communities to rethink the El Camino Real’s potential for housing and urban development, balancing the need for cars and parking with viable options for transit, walking and biking.
Why are we doing it?
Stretching from Daly City to San Jose, the vision is of a boulevard that connects communities by a mix of land uses designed to attract people. Cities are encouraged to design for neighborhoods that include high quality building designs and diverse land uses, preserve historic buildings and places, and enhance our economic and cultural diversity. Rail stations and bus facilities are valued not only as vital transportation services, but as public gathering places and assets to spur transit oriented development. Roadway improvements will continue to meet the need to move people and commerce and preserve environmental resources. Above all, change will recognize and incorporate our history and create a sense of community.
Who’s involved?
Joint Venture coordinates this effort with four partners: City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG), San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), Santa Clara Transportation Authority (VTA), and SAMCEDA (San Mateo Economic Development Association). The work is overseen by the Grand Boulevard Task Force, which includes every city on El Camino between San Jose and San Francisco, housing advocates, the developer community, transit providers, and all of the regional and state agencies having partial responsibility for the street. The Task Force is co-chaired by SamTrans General Manager Mike Scanlon and Joint Venture President Russell Hancock.
The Guiding Principles for El Camino adopted by the Grand Boulevard Task Force have now been endorsed by more than 20 local governments. Click here to read the Guiding Principles.
What are the latest developments?
- Released the first detailed update on efforts to make the El Camino Real a more urban, pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented corridor for residents to live, work, shop and play: "Progress Report - Transforming the Boulevard" (PDF, 3MB)
- A map of projects along the Grand Boulevard has been created in both Google Maps and Google Earth – see http://www.grandboulevard.net/
- A Multimodal Transportation Corridor Plan is being created by the participating transit agencies
- A shared “wiki” resource for common challenges and solutions has be launched at http://gbi-development.wetpaint.com/
What are the next steps?
- Undertake an Economic and Housing Opportunities Assessment of the road
- Hold forums and events to raise awareness about the road’s promise and potential
Where do I find out more?
- Progress on this initiative is reported in detail on the Grand Boulevard website: http://www.grandboulevard.net