FAQs
RBDSP
In addition to the update to the Specific Plan, a Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared, including the analysis, disclosure, and required mitigation of impacts on the environment that result from the proposed degree of future development. This process is required by the State’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
To engage EPA residents in a decision-making process around a potential increase in total allowed development in the RBD Specific Plan area; including
- Creating a framework for community benefits
- Completing thorough analysis of community impact, focusing on local jobs match, and both indirect and induced displacement
- Exploring links between jobs and affordable housing
- Developing a high-quality urban design plan that emphasizes connectivity within the public realm
- Determining necessary district-wide transportation and water, sewer, stormwater improvements
- Evaluating the fiscal benefit of different levels of development.
Phase 1: Data Refresh and Preliminary Analysis (Winter/Spring 2021)
- Confirm existing conditions and identify key issues or constraints
- Analyze capacity of existing infrastructure and roadway systems
- Identify potential/preliminary approaches to community benefits
- Develop potential scenarios for total amount of new development
Phase 2: Refined Concepts and Full Analysis (Summer/Fall 2021)
- Develop concepts for enhanced walkability and placemaking
- Conduct in-depth analysis of infrastructure and transportation impacts for each scenario; explore potential solutions to traffic and infrastructure constraints
- Perform employment match and displacement analysis
- Lead robust community engagement to seek resident input
- Confirm recommended buildout scenario and new policy direction with City Council
Phase 3: Amended Specific Plan / SEIR (Fall 2021/Spring 2022)
- Update the buildout capacity of the Specific Plan / SEIR (and allocation methodology)
- Targeted amendments to the Specific Plan (including urban design, community benefits, transportation network, TDM + parking standards, infrastructure improvements, housing, local employment policies)
- Hold community open houses and adoption hearings to finalize plan updates
2020 Bay Road
Applicant: Three Cities Research
Address: 2020 Bay Road
The Landing
Applicant: Harvest Properties
Address: 1990 Bay Road + 1175 Week St + 1250 Weeks St
4 Corners
Applicant: Sand Hill Properties
Address: 1675 Bay Road
EPA Waterfront
Applicant: Emerson Collective
Address: 230 Demeter + 350 Demeter + 2555 Pulgas + 151 Tara + 164 Tara
- Job Train Office (local employee training office)
- Health Center / Sobrato (relocation of medical office across Bay Road)
- 1804 Bay Road (mixed use; 66 dwelling units and retail)
- 965 Weeks Street (136 housing units, 100% affordable)
- 1201 Runnymede (37 dwelling units)
- EPA Center Arts (nonprofit industrial space)
A Specific Plan is a comprehensive planning and zoning tool for a small area within a community. It is distinct from a jurisdiction’s adopted General Plan. It establishes the vision and guiding principles for a given area and the standards that regulate future development within its boundaries. A Specific Plan includes a series of measures and actions to guide implementation. Due to changing circumstances and economic conditions, Specific Plans commonly require periodic updates. You can read the 2013 Ravenswood / 4 Corners Specific Plan on the City’s website.
This Planning project is an update to the Ravenswood Business District / 4 Corners TOD Specific Plan originally adopted by the City Council in 2013. This update aims to refresh the plan to effectively and sustainability guide the future of the area, and to ensure the community will benefit from new development..
This update is being managed by the City of East Palo Alto Community Development Department, with work performed by Raimi + Associates, Strategic Economics, Schaaf + Wheeler, Hexagon Transportation, and David J Powers & Associates.
In 2013, the City adopted a Specific to guide growth and change in the Ravenswood and 4 Corners areas. Eight years later, a great deal has changed both locally and regionally, with several proposed development projects which could bring new residents, workers, and visitors to the area. Over the course of the next twelve months, the Specific Plan will be updated with guidance from the East Palo Alto community. This update will revolve around transportation and mobility, infrastructure improvements, urban design, placemaking, affordable housing, community benefits, and community impacts.