Imagine living within walking distance of shopping, entertainment and public transportation. Instead of driving your car to work, you walk to a nearby bus stop. After a long day, you unwind at a neighborhood restaurant. And, on the weekend, you step outside your door to enjoy “people-watching” in the community plaza. The Grand Boulevard Initiative is working to turn this dream into a reality for the communities along El Camino Real.

The public is invited to learn more about the initiative’s plans to transform El Camino Real at a free forum to be held June 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fox Theater in Redwood City. The forum will feature internationally renowned urban planner Michael Freedman, Caltrans Director Will Kempton and MTC Executive Director Steve Heminger. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, a long-time supporter of the project, also is scheduled to speak.

The Grand Boulevard Initiative, made up of a collaboration of cities, government agencies and community leaders in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, encourages cities to design neighborhoods on El Camino Real similar to those found in great European cities. These neighborhoods provide an eclectic mix of housing, shops, business and recreation. Open plazas and parks serve as public gathering places. And, because the community is built around a train station or transit hub, residents have convenient access to public transportation.

“El Camino Real is the backbone of the Peninsula and Silicon Valley,” said San Mateo County Transit District General Manager/CEO Mike Scanlon. “The Grand Boulevard Initiative is an opportunity to make the most of this regional asset.” Scanlon is co-chair of the initiative along with Russ Hancock, CEO and president of Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network.

Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged. Please call or e-mail Corinne Goodrich at 650-508-6369 or goodrichc@samtrans.com to make reservations.

6/17/09 - crd
Media Contact: Christine Dunn, 650-508-6238