An integral part of the redevelopment of the “Four Corners” site is a robust community engagement process to ensure East Palo Alto stakeholders have an opportunity to provide input into the project uses, design and programming. Sand Hill Property Company will continue this broad effort to ensure the development fulfills the vision laid out by the community and is a welcomed asset to the City of East Palo Alto and its residents. Below is a list of the public community meetings (one in–person and three online) held to date with links to the documents presented at each meeting and an executive summary of the overarching trends and takeaways that emerged from the interactive activities and online surveys for each meeting.
Community Input
Community Meeting #1
In-person, February 11, 2020
This meeting was held in–person at the East Palo Alto Senior Center. The meeting included an introduction to the project team and an acknowledgment of the site’s important history and previous planning efforts. In this meeting the community was asked about their desires for the site, the historical significance of the site and how best to create a downtown experience. For more information about the meeting and the results of the community input, click on the links below.
Community Meeting #2
Online April 16 – 30, 2020
This meeting was held online because of the Shelter-in-Place order administered due to COVID-19. The meeting included a video, downloadable resources and an interactive survey. In this meeting the community was asked to provide input on programming, historical commemoration and open space character. For more information about the meeting and the results of the community input, click on the links below.
Community Meeting #3
Online June 5 – 19, 2020
This meeting was held online and included a video, downloadable resources and an interactive survey. In this meeting the community was asked to provide input on the project principles, the design elements and characteristics of the Town Square, Public Plaza and Local Small Business Marketplace. For more information about the meeting and the results of the community input, click on the links below.
Community Meeting #4
Online August 18 – September 14, 2020
This meeting was held online and included a video, downloadable resources and an interactive survey. In this meeting the community was asked to provide input on the project’s community uses, the experience along University Avenue, the interface with the surrounding neighbors and connection to neighborhood amenities. For more information about the meeting and the results of the community input, click on the links below.
Community Meeting #5
Online March 8 – March 26, 2021
This meeting was held online and included a video, downloadable resources and an interactive survey. In this meeting the community was asked to provide input on the project’s community uses, the experience along University Avenue, the interface with the surrounding neighbors and connection to neighborhood amenities. For more information about the meeting and the results of the community input, click on the links below.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will construction start?
We plan to continue having a substantial community engagement effort to get input and feedback from residents, neighbors and community groups. The pre-application was submitted in May 2020 and the formal application in November 2020. There will be a thorough city review of our application, several public hearings, and many opportunities for input. We hope to start construction in 2023.
Will there be enough parking?
Yes, we have not yet worked out all the details about parking yet, but we expect there to be over 1,000 parking spaces on internal roads, an underground parking facility, and a parking structure on-site.
Will housing be for different income levels?
Yes, we expect to provide mixed-income housing to serve residents at a diverse range of income levels.
Can there be a supermarket?
The supermarket business is very difficult in this day and age, and several previous grocery proposals for this site have failed in the past. We do not expect there to be a large supermarket on this site, but we are considering a range of food options including restaurants, cafes, small food & beverage retail, and/or an outdoor farmers market.
Can the library go there?
Yes, we recently heard at the March 3, 2020 City Council Meeting that the San Mateo County Libraries are considering building a new library in East Palo Alto, but are trying to determine a new location that is convenient to residents and financially viable. During Community Meeting #1 and previous conversations, many community members have expressed a desire to include a library at the Four Corners site, similar to its former location there in the 1970’s. We can consider including a site for a new library building at Four Corners as a community benefit that this project can contribute to East Palo Alto.
Will there be affordable housing?
Yes, we expect to comply with the East Palo Alto inclusionary housing ordinance, and/or provide similar affordable housing options.
How will this affect traffic?
We will do a full traffic and transportation study, and will implement any mitigation measures that the City requires. We plan to improve mobility and make it easier to get around, by making it easier and safer to walk and ride bikes, including secure bike parking on site, and working with regional agencies to improve transit options.
Will there be a park and open spaces?
Yes, we plan to have a significant amount of public open space, likely including a park and/or public plaza. We’ve heard input so far requesting a place to gather, play, and meet friends, and we will continue to gather community input about the types of open spaces and public amenities that make a great neighborhood.