Belmont and San Carlos Team Up to Fight Traffic Congestion

In a show of civic unity, the Belmont City Council passed a resolution Tuesday night to work with three other agencies, including the City of San Carlos to devise a plan to mitigate the growing traffic congestion along Alameda de las Pulgas.

The resolution, which was passed 4-0 (Councilmember Warren Lieberman was not present for the vote), allows the city to support the joint traffic study—a $15,000 expenditure.

San Carlos vice mayor Mark Olbert addressed the council saying his city is ready to financially support the traffic study that will stretch along the Alameda de las Pulgas corridor near Carlmont High School and Tierra Linda Middle School.

“There are things we can do to work together,” said Olbert, referring to the “Four Corners Committee” comprised of the two city governments, the Sequoia Union High School District and the San Carlos School District.

With enrollment on the rise at both Carlmont High School (Belmont), and Tierra Linda Middle School (San Carlos), the impact to traffic along Alameda de las Pulgas near the school sites is expected to increase.

Sequoia Union High School District board member Alan Sarver said the projected enrollment increase at the two schools is about 20 percent, “Which will entail substantial expansion of Tierra Linda and Carlmont.”

“There is an urgent need to address the traffic,” said Sarver.

Belmont councilmember Dave Warden agreed something needs to be done, but suggested that the committee look at a larger stretch of Alameda de las Pulgas for improved traffic flow.

“Localized changes make things worse someplace else,” said Warden, referring to the stretch of Alameda between Ralston Avenue and Carlmont High School.

“Whatever we do is going to impact those four blocks as well,” said Warden.

Gladwyn d'Souza addressed the council and asked that the traffic study also look at alternative methods of transportation for students.

“It costs six times as much to take the bus as to drive,” said de Souza.

Belmont mayor Christine Wozniak agreed.

“Let’s make sure we don’t just look at driving solutions, but other forms of transportation,” said Wozniak.

For more San Carlos and Belmont news, check out these stories:

Council Balances Experience With New Blood in Commission Appointments

Where Are The Cell Phone Dead Zones In Or Near Belmont?

Report: Local Apartments Unaffordable for 57% of Renters

Where Are The Cell Phone Dead Zones In Or Near San Carlos?

Fashion Show Strutting to CHS