Issues

• This list and page is a general outline of improvements we would like the city to focus on.  Specific information on Issues can be found by clicking on the Issues at the top of the web site or to your right.

• We want you to participate and comment on the posts and issues we are presenting on this website, so feel free to post a comment directly on this site, sign up to join our community, and send a comment to the GESC board.

Prioritized Improvements

I. URGENT

A. Sidewalk Enhancement Project on Old County Road

• Repair high danger pedestrian zone on Old County Road and crossing Holly Street before further deterioration of public safety.
• Replace sidewalks and curbs that are falling apart on Old County Road
• Move utilities (Electricity poles) underground and remove signs on Old County Road in Northeast San Carlos that prevent baby carriages from using sidewalk. This will also serve to clean up copious excrement from birds overhead and make the walk safe for commuters.
• Create special 4-way crosswalks at Holly Street with colored pavement tiles to demarcate special crosswalk zone.
• Create pedestrian solutions for PAMF employees to reach GESC businesses, SC CalTrain station, and Downtown San Carlos.
• Perform maintenance and cleaning of sidewalks and below the overpass including periodic removal of garbage and pigeon excrement.

B. Landscaping of Railroad Berm

• Planting of trees/re-landscaping the berm to visually screen new development of significant size.

C. Implementation of state of the art noise barriers

• and sound absorption techniques for train noise in conjunction with SC Transit Village, including the consideration of a fund for double-paned windows and doors and chimney/vent baffles for NESC if noise level increases from new development.

II. HIGH PRIORITY

A. Parking problems in GESC

• Need for no parking signs for non-residents to deter parking
• Not enough parking at Laureola Park for sporting events.
• Problems from Caltrain parking in residential neighborhood (especially during ball games)
• Faster parking enforcement by the City
• Paint sidewalks where parking is prohibited to deter non-resident parking, and removal of all no parking signs which block sidewalks throughout GESC.

B. Litter fine signs and litter fine enforcement throughout GESC to start a non-littering campaign and bring pride to our community.

C. Fine-tuning of sprinkler system on Old County Road so that water is no longer wasted and noise is contained.

D. Upgrade Laureola Park including new playground, improvement of basketball court including rims of equal height, improved access way from Old County Road, and improved pedestrian access from Holly Street and NESC.

E. Holly Street Planning: Need for the city to work with residents along Holly before plans for widening the street begin

III. LONGER TERM GOALS

A. Consideration of additional parks adjacent to GESC if land can be made available (i.e. Indoor aquatic center, community center, dog park, athletic fields).

B. Special consideration for San Carlos and Belmont creeks including creek restoration, replanting of trees, biotechnical bank stabilization, and creation of livable habitat for local ducks, fish, and other animals that use the creek.

C. Proactive identification of sources of PCB, solvents and other hazardous materials from adjacent Industrial sites identified on Regional Water Quality Control Board and CA Department of Toxics lists, and clean up where appropriate. The city should be coordinating with Federal, State and County agencies.

D. Creation of urban trails through GESC that attach to the creeks and create a viable live/work space for residents and businesses yet discourage littering, disposal of toxic materials, and general disregard for the environment.

E. Encourage renovation or demolition and reconstruction of Seven Eleven building complex, which is an outdated eyesore that is the first major development visitors see when they enter San Carlos from Holly Street.

F. Replace sewer lines and laterals.

G. Tree planting/maintenance program throughout GESC similar to Canopy in Palo Alto.

H. Develop long-term plan to reduce noise from Laureola Park, train stration announcements, and businesses in South East San Carlos

I. Resolve continuing problems with the shuttles at train station and cutting through SESC neighborhoods.

J. Existing Parks in San Carlos are focused on West side of El Camino.

K. Acquiring buildings that enter Laureola Park from Old County Road. This is a good idea to create a better gateway.

L. Need new park facilities north of Holly Street and East of Old County Road as the City has acquired the former County Harbor Industrial area, which will transition to new land uses and open space needs should be anticipated.

M. The city should develop guidelines for public open space around business as land uses change and densities and height increase.

N. Funding raised from east side development should finance park improvements on the East side.

O. The PG&E site would make a good side for park improvements (i.e. ballfields), and the adjacent creek abutting the Palo alto Medical Foundation could be restored for public enjoyment.

P. As trails ranked the highest desire in San Carlos, more should be done to make San Carlos more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. Deficiencies should be anticipated and addressed in City’s General Plan, Park capital project list, DPW capital project list, and Redevelopment Agency.

Q. Doing a pool, community center, or performing arts center are all expensive projects and the city should look for partners (public, non-profit or private) to work together on a shared facility. We mention the partnership between foster City and Peninsula Jewish community Center as a model.