News Digest News Digest (August 13, 2004)

Poll extended for traffic calming project

Responding to requests from neighbors, city transportation officials extended the deadline for residents near Channing Avenue to hand in their votes about a traffic calming project on the street. Residents worried the summer vacation was keeping some from voting.

The old deadline of Aug. 6 has now been moved to Monday, Aug. 23.

"We appreciate your having taken the time and trouble to provide your considered opinions," Chief Transportation Official Joe Kott wrote in an e-mail to members of the nearby neighborhood association.

The project includes speed tables (more moderate speed bumps) and a raised crosswalk.

The Planning and Transportation Commission's public hearing on the project is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 29. --Bill D'Agostino
Housing project turned down

An ambitious plan to develop 177 rental apartments on 2.5 acres near the California Avenue business district met with stern opposition Wednesday from the project's neighbors and Palo Alto's Planning and Transportation Commission. After taking a tour of the site at Page Mill Road and Park Boulevard and listening to public testimony at its evening meeting, the commission voted unanimously to deny the project its request for planned-community zoning.

The proposal by Courthouse Plaza Company for a four-story building would have included 45,000 square feet for research and development purposes, 2,000 square feet for retail and about 211,000 square feet for residences. The property is currently zoned for general manufacturing use. A planned-community zone would allow for more apartments to be built, among other allowances.

Commissioners objected to numerous aspects of the plan, including its size, density, proximity to the street, request to convert a block of Page Mill Road into a private street, and possible noise and visual effects of the project on Midtown neighbors northeast of the train tracks.

A representative for Courthouse Plaza Company was not available for comment.

Since the Planning and Transportation Commission's decision is considered a recommendation only, the proposal is scheduled to go before the City Council for its review. If the council also denies the re-zoning request, the project may be revised and resubmitted to the commission in the future. --Jocelyn Dong
Narcotics investigation nets 23 arrests

The East Palo Alto Police Department, with assistance from other Bay Area law enforcement agencies, concluded an undercover drug-buying program by arresting 23 suspects Wednesday morning.

According to the police, the investigation was initiated after reports of an increase of drug trafficking during the past spring and summer months. The investigation was aimed at street-level dealers.

The department worked with the San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force to identify the alleged distributors.

The 23 suspects ranged in age from 15 to 61. According to the police, a majority of the suspects reside in East Palo Alto and Menlo Park.

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