On March 11th, the Palo Alto City Council discussed the development of the 60-acre North Ventura area during a special community meeting held at the Ventura Community Center as part of the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP) process. Located adjacent to the California Avenue Caltrain Station, the planning area is a fantastic location for a true transit-oriented, complete neighborhood that would offer housing opportunities for people of all incomes and abilities.

Local residents spoke out predominantly in support of a mixed-use neighborhood that would include housing affordable to people with low incomes, increased walkability, more open space, and would also maintain the diversity of the Ventura community. They also expressed concern about adding office space, increased traffic, rising rents, and the perceived disparity in resources and development of the Ventura neighborhood in comparison to other areas of Palo Alto.

Council members expressed interest in many of these ideas, including the inclusion of below market-rate housing, and encouraged the working group to bring forth multiple options for the NVCAP’s development. SV@Home is excited to see the council embracing the community feedback and looks forward to staying engaged in this process to maximize opportunities for housing and affordable housing as part of a mixed-use, complete neighborhood accessible to transit at California Avenue.

The next NVCAP Working Group meeting is scheduled for April 17th. More information can be found at the NVCAP website.