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corridors
east 14th/international
el camino real
• community support san pablo avenue
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Community Support - El Camino Real
Neighborhood Strengths and Needs
Quality education, freeway access, the presence of trees, and cultural diversity were also cited as community strengths.
Traffic and affordable housing were cited as concerns of almost every neighborhood along El Camino. Anything that would cause more auto activity on the streets, whether it be too many events at the local high school or the construction of a new community pool, was met with resistance.
Other concerns raised related to population growth included impacts to schools, access to services, and loss of agricultural lands and open space. Many survey respondents mentioned that their neighborhoods needed more parks or green space. In addition, respondents generally opposed large homes that used up the entire lot as much as they opposed high-density development, suggesting that the loss of yards and open space is a primary issue. Some mentioned that they miss the ability to buy produce at a local farm, and that they miss the look of homes that had yards and fruit trees.
Housing Availability and Affordability
Many communities along El Camino in Santa Clara are dominated by single-family homes. A few residents said that they did not want it to change and that they wished planners and developers would focus on other things, like putting in more parking. Others were supportive of multi-family housing and thought that El Camino was a likely place to build these units, with a well-designed transition from multi-family to single-family as one traveled away from the corridor. Housing design was extremely important to all residents, as well as the preservation of some open spaces and mature trees.
Transportation Access and Choice
Many mentioned that the close proximity of some retail to homes does offer the ability to walk. This may be reducing the total number of auto trips that the respondents are regularly making. Costco, however, was most often reported as the place people wanted to have convenient access to, but many felt that they would take cars because of the quantity of goods they would buy.
Traffic and congestion were cited as concerns along El Camino. People expressed that the current lack of pedestrian amenities, unpleasant building aesthetics/design, street character, and the presence of large parking lots were barriers to walking and biking.
Support for New Development Respondents
along El Camino Real have a lot of experience with the planning processes
in their communities. Many provided
In general, communities were thought to be supportive of new development along El Camino and in downtowns, but demanding that it be done well and provide additional services and products that are of interest to the community. They generally liked the idea of mixed use because it would provide space for small businesses, which add to the sense of neighborhood. Restaurants and grocery stores were often cited as good examples of development that the community supports.
Engagement in Planning and Development Extremely high levels of community involvement in the planning process were reported throughout the neighborhoods along El Camino Real. Many reported achievements as a result of this involvement, such as Heritage Park in Palo Alto, and a reconfigured hotel site plan in Sunnyvale. Most respondents agreed that involvement increases when the property is within their neighborhood or otherwise directly impacting them.
Across the county, time and interest were cited as the main barriers
to participation. Residents would not want to spend more time
All respondents stated that they or their constituents are involved early in the planning or development process, particularly if they are a member of a neighborhood association or chamber of commerce. Some respondents said that local governments could notify residents earlier. They also offered that the information is always available for those that want to be engaged. Residents see themselves as "educated consumers" of the planning process.
The most common method for getting planning or development information was cited as the local paper. Planning notices were seen as unreliable or too bureaucratic. Neighborhood associations were also cited as a key mechanism for disseminating information.
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Residents
of neighborhoods along El Camino Real in Santa Clara County unanimously
described their neighborhoods as good communities that were close-knit
and desirable. The words "close," "caring," "family-oriented,"
and "small-town atmosphere" were terms commonly used to describe
neighborhoods along El Camino. People also appreciated the "history"
of their communities. This sense of community applied to both the upper
income neighborhoods as well as the lower income neighborhoods, as represented
by Working Partnerships.
The
majority of respondents felt that affordable housing was a great concern
in their communities, as it is generally unavailable in the communities
along El Camino. Since most respondents were long-term homeowners, they
did not speak from direct experience but rather knew of friends, teachers,
or firefighters who could not afford to buy homes in their towns. Neighborhoods
along El Camino tended to be seen as more affordable than elsewhere
in the community, and while "less fashionable," these less
exclusive neighborhoods were also seen as an important resource.
In
Santa Clara County, respondents unanimously stated that people drove
first and foremost. Some mentioned that they bicycle for exercise, but
they have to plan routes that avoid traffic on the major arterials,
including El Camino Real. Sunnyvale respondents claimed that their city
does have a moderately active bicycle group that commutes to work. Respondents
also indicated that children often ride their bikes to school. Very
few respondents mentioned public transit or bus as a viable transportation
option. 
involved
in planning, but would want to be more effective. Changing staff and
councils frustrates residents who maintain their voice on issues over
a prolonged period of time. One Sunnyvale resident described the system
of planning and development as unfriendly and un-navigable for those
who have no experience with the city development process. Most of those
surveyed, however, did have active experience in planning, development,
or other civic issues, and were impressed with the level of citizen
understanding.