Progress for Belmont flood control project

At this point, the preferred approach is to install water detention basins upstream to capture storm water runoff before it hits downstream areas prone to flooding.

Proposed locations for detention basins include the softball and soccer fields at Notre Dame de Namur University, Hidden Canyon Park, Carlmont High School and Twin Pines Park. Only undeveloped land is being proposed for detention basins. 

So far, Hidden Canyon Park and Twin Pines Park are “willing partners,” and Carlmont High School appears interested in the proposal, said Erika Powell, program manager for San Mateo County’s Flood Resiliency Program.

She also said meetings with NDNU have occurred, but it’s unclear if the university will also be among the partners.

Public Works Director Afshin Oskoui said that the preferred approach includes erosion control measures as well as bypass piping around Harbor Boulevard and Industrial Road in addition to detention basins. 

Beyond those measures, other flood mitigation options include building floodwalls and culverts, but such measures would cost more money to construct and maintain.

The project also seeks to protect and enhance water quality and enhance ecosystems and habitat, according to a staff report.

The creek currently has an eight-year flood capacity and each of the proposed measures would help bring capacity up.

“We have an eight-year capacity within the current system and [the preferred alternative] gives you incremental increase in our flood capacity so it’s not all or nothing,” Oskoui said. “The more we have the higher flood protection we have.”

Officials in the past have said the goal of the project is to protect the area from a 25- to 100-year storm depending on the chosen alternative.

In other business, the council granted another 90-day extension for negotiations on the Firehouse Square development proposal at 1300 El Camino Real.

The council also approved Group 4 Architecture to provide conceptual design services for a new Belmont community center.

“This is an incredibly exciting time and as long as I can remember Barrett has been on the council’s list of priorities and it looks like we’re finally launching the mission,” Councilman Charles Stone said. “This is the beginning of the process.”

Parks and Recreation Director Brigitte Shearer expanded on what the beginning of the process entails.

“We have no preconceived notions nor does Group 4 about what the final product is going to be,” she said. “This first phase is all about listening to the community and understanding what the community’s needs and wants are, what else is in the market now — there’s no need to replicate what’s already there, and what makes sense for this community, for the demographics that are here and what makes sense for the city operationally.”

zachary@smdailyjournal.com

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