Transit-oriented Development

Imagine stepping out your front door and walking down the street to take in a movie. Afterwards, you might stop at the neighborhood grocery to pick up a few things or get a bite to eat at a local restaurant – all without taking your car, if you have one, out of the garage. And, when Monday morning comes around, you can take the bus or train from your house to your work site. This is the vision of transit-oriented development.

In San Mateo County, the San Mateo County Transit District is leading the way in developing these livable, transit-friendly communities.

The District is a partner with Joint Venture Silicon Valley, the San Mateo County Economic Development Association and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority in the Grand Boulevard Initiative. The project proposes revitalizing El Camino Real by creating a series of “urban villages” along its length from San Jose to San Francisco. Work on a multimodal transportation plan for the corridor is underway and grants for projects will be awarded in fall 2007.

Recently, the District entered into an agreement to develop approximately seven acres of land next to the San Carlos Caltrain Station. The project, currently under review by the city, proposes the construction of a mixed-use development with approximately 280 residential units and about 35,000 square feet of retail space. The complex will include a central plaza that will link residents with the transit center and San Carlos’ vibrant downtown.

The District is currently developing its first long-range strategic plan since the mid-1980s. The plan will lay the foundation for the agency’s future as the county’s mobility manager. The first phase of the plan is expected to be completed by the end of 2007.