CITY OF PALO ALTO
Measure D
Municipal Code Amendment (Discontinuance of the Use of Portion of Park Land at El Camino Park)
Majority Vote
To reduce traffic congestion and travel time for transit riders, shall the measure undedicating a 0.33-acre portion of existing parkland in El Camino Park for the purpose of creating a new road primarily for transit vehicles linking Palo Alto Transit Center with El Camino Real, be adopted?
BALLOT ARGUMENT
Mayor Greer Stone & Councilmember Pat Burt
Vote YES on the Quarry Road Connection
Every so often, important projects are worthy of overwhelming support. The Quarry Road Connection Project is such a project. It will transform the currently congested Palo Alto Transit Center (PATC) – enhancing transit efficiency, reducing traffic congestion, improving safety and convenience for cyclists and pedestrians, and benefitting commuters. To create this transitway,
one-third of an acre of underutilized parkland at El Camino Park must be undedicated.
This project will extend Quarry Road and connect PATC directly to El Camino Real (ECR), allowing buses and shuttles to enter and exit the Transit Center directly from El Camino. This will cut travel times by 5-8 minutes, boost the PATC’s operational efficiency, and ease congestion by increasing transit use and reducing the number of buses on University Avenue.
Pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit significantly. The project will create safer, more convenient crossings at the Quarry Road-ECR intersection. This will enhance access to recreational facilities and promote sustainable transportation options by better connecting the park with bike and pedestrian networks.
Moreover, the Quarry Road Connection will activate an underutilized section of parkland, transforming it into a functional space with improved landscaping and connectivity. This will deliver better access to El Camino Park and the Transit Center for Palo Alto residents and workers.
We are proud to champion this project, which aligns with the 2030 Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan goals and has garnered strong backing from regional partners, including Caltrain, VTA, MTC, AC Transit, SamTrans and the Silicon Valley Bike Coalition. Most of the project funding is already secured and the project promises substantial benefits without cost to local taxpayers.
By voting YES, you are endorsing a forward-thinking investment in our City’s infrastructure, enhancing access, mobility, safety, and sustainability for our community.
Learn more about the Quarry Road Connection Project at: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/transitconnection
City Attorney’s Analysis
Molly Stump, City Attorney
November 2024 Election
City of Palo Alto Measure D
(Discontinuance of the Use of a Portion of Park Land at El Camino Park)
The Palo Alto City Council has placed this measure on the ballot. If voters approve it, Measure D would amend the Municipal Code to undedicate approximately 0.33 acres of El Camino Park to allow for the construction of a new road connecting the Palo Alto Transit Center and El Camino Real.
Background: El Camino Park is on land owned by Stanford University and leased to the City of Palo Alto. The City dedicated El Camino Park as parkland, which means that while under the City’s control El Camino Park can be used only for park, playground, recreation or conservation purposes. To undedicate all or a portion of a park, the City Charter requires approval of a majority of voters voting on the measure.
When the El Camino Park lease ends, the land will revert to Stanford and will no longer be dedicated parkland. The lease is currently scheduled to end in June 2042; however, the City and Stanford have signed a “letter of intent” stating that Stanford intends to extend the lease for the portion of the park where the existing playing fields are located to 2052, as part of this new road connector project.
Measure D: Measure D would undedicate a specific portion of approximately 0.33 acres of El Camino Park. The area to be undedicated is undeveloped parkland, containing trees, shrubs, utility infrastructure and a pathway. Measure D does not undedicate or make any changes to the playing fields or parking area.
If Measure D is approved by voters, the undedicated 0.33 acres may be used only to construct a new road between the Palo Alto Transit Center and El Camino Real and related improvements. Related improvements may include bus stops, utility infrastructure, landscaping, sidewalks, bicycle paths, safety infrastructure, parking spaces, lighting, signage and wayfinding, and parking restrictions. The new road will be a shorter direct route for buses, shuttles, and other transit vehicles travelling between El Camino Real and the Transit Center. The proposed project may also include improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists. Measure D does not approve a specific design or funding for the road or related improvements.
Measure D requires approval by a simple majority of voters voting on the measure.
A “Yes” vote will undedicate approximately 0.33 acres of El Camino Park and this area will no longer be restricted to park, playground, recreation or conservation purposes. This area can only be used to construct a new road between the Palo Alto Transit Center and El Camino Real and related improvements.
A “No” vote means that the measure will not go into effect. While under the City’s control, El Camino Park will remain with its existing boundaries and can only be used for park, playground, recreation or conservation purposes.