Permanent Closed Streets Could Be Palo Alto's 'New Normal': Staff

PALO ALTO, CA — The Palo Alto City Council was set to discuss the permanent closures of portions of California Avenue and Ramona Street at its meeting Monday.

Currently, California Avenue from El Camino Real to Birch Street is closed to vehicles, as the city looks to continue a policy born out of the pandemic that has generally been popular with patrons seeking to dine outdoors and have more walking space.

Restaurants owners within the closed streets prefer the closures, according to city staff.

The council extended the street closures last September through June 2022 with a planned discussion in the future on permanent street closures.

“The experiment with closed streets proved to be very popular with Palo Alto residents, with thousands corresponding to Council requesting the street closures continue,” city staff wrote. “Continuation of the closures temporarily and contemplation of permanent closures may represent a ‘new normal’ in Palo Alto.”

Staff added that to consider the needs of businesses that may not benefit as much from street closures, the council could consider various combinations of closing portions of the streets, or maintaining some access for vehicles.

Council was recommended to direct staff to approve a contract for a feasibility study and set up a public hearing for consideration of permanent street closures.

The meeting was set to begin at 5 p.m. Monday. Click here to view the agenda. Stream the meeting or watch the recording on the city's YouTube page.