Redwood City drafting updated downtown plan

The plan looks to provide a framework for development and intention of the greater downtown area that address “current and anticipated community needs,” according to a staff report. A joint study session was held by the Redwood City Planning Commission and Transportation Advisory Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 21. 

“I wouldn’t characterize it as one project, it’s many aspects of the development of our greater downtown area,” Principal Planner John Francis said. “It’s a long-term vision.” 

New challenges to development include the economy post pandemic, increased threats of climate-related hazards not originally evaluated by the downtown plans, state regulatory mandates and a potential Caltrain track grade separation. 

The focus area of the plan is centered on the downtown core, which has been a focus of development and attention in the past decade. The updated Greater Downtown Area Plan expands that focus into six nearby districts. 

The expanded focus area includes the Centennial and Stambaugh-Heller residential neighborhoods, the transit district surrounding the Caltrain station, the mixed-use district south of the transit district, the area north of downtown including Redwood Creek, and the eastern corner which is deemed as the innovation and incubation district. 

The innovation and incubation district is envisioned to be a mixed-use employment district that would be suitable for startups, creative businesses or even entertainment and nightlife. The transit district would be apt for high-density residential mixed-use buildings that bring in commuters to the central downtown, according to a staff report. 

The residential districts seek to preserve the existing and historical homes, but consider intentionally placed mid-rise developments in strategic locations, such as along Brewster Avenue, Arguello Street or Broadway. These neighborhoods will also be looked at to establish neighborhood amenities and open spaces. 

The north of downtown district is described as an ideal location for a mix of residential and commercial development in “mid-rise development typologies,” according to a staff report.

In addition to strategizing the best land use zones and permitted densities for the various neighborhoods near downtown, the plan also looks to establish a network of public spaces that “offers more equitable access to open space” throughout the project area. 

A particular focus in the plan is establishing Redwood Creek as a signature community space within the north of downtown district. 

“I’ve always thought the creek has the potential to be a crown jewel in our great downtown area,” Planning Commissioner Rick Hunter said. 

Hunter added that the Stembaugh-Heller neighborhood “needs more parks” as well. The planning document currently considers two open space opportunities in the neighborhood that could innovatively transform public land, Principal Planner Malahat Owrang said. 

“You’re looking for creative answers that don’t exist yet,” Hunter said. “I really like that.” 

Establishing a connected mobility network to and through downtown is also a focus of the plan. Of particular note is to connect those south of Woodside Road to downtown, Planning Commissioner Kimberly Koch said. 

“I think this project is a wonderful way to start to close that gap and bring people together, so let’s do it safely and cleanly and do everything we can to help everybody feel like they’re part of us,” Koch said. 

The Greater Downtown Area Plan will next be studied by the city’s Housing and Human Concerns Committee Oct. 28. It will be presented to the City Council for a study session Nov. 10. The final approval of the completed planning document likely won’t occur until late 2027, according to a staff report.