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Report regarding a resolution adopting the Centennial Way Trail Master Plan - Revised January 2025 (Philip Vitale, Deputy Director of Capital Projects)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the Centennial Way Trail Master Plan - Revised January 2025 (Project No. pk2103).
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Centennial Way Trail is a Class I bicycle and pedestrian pathway that spans approximately three miles, connecting the South San Francisco and San Bruno BART stations. The City constructed the trail and is responsible for its ongoing maintenance. In late 2020, the City assumed maintenance responsibilities for additional sections of the BART right-of-way, significantly expanding opportunities for trail enhancements and programming. In early 2021, the City retained Callander Associates, a landscape architecture and planning firm, to collaborate with the community and stakeholders on the development of a vision plan to guide long-term improvements and programming for the trail.
During preparation of the Master Plan, the City engaged with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), which owns several parcels along the trail corridor. The SFPUC was exploring potential future uses for their parcels, which could have implications for trail development. As a result, the SFPUC requested that the segment between West Orange Avenue and Spruce Avenue-referred to as Opportunity Area 2-be omitted from the Master Plan to allow time for internal review. In February 2022, the City Council adopted the Centennial Way Trail Master Plan, excluding Opportunity Area 2 in accordance with SFPUC’s request.
In 2024, following notification that SFPUC had completed its internal evaluation of parcel use, the City re-engaged Callander Associates using remaining funds from the original LEAP Grant. The team developed conceptual designs for Opportunity Area 2 in coordination with SFPUC staff. Initial concepts were presented at a Project Review meeting in July 2024, followed by additional meetings with SFPUC staff to address land use constraints and ensure compatibility with SFPUC operations.
The SFPUC expressed general support for the proposed improvements, with the understanding that any construction on their property would be subject to further SFPUC review and approval in future design phases. Additional updates to the master plan include revised site material preferences (e.g., decomposed granite), regulatory signage, and fitness equipment. Text revisions are shown in italic font throughout the updated document as Attachment 2. Improvements already constructed within Opportunity Area 1 are shown in Appendix G.
Environmental Review
As a guiding document, this master plan is not subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3), the approval of the master plan does not have the potential to have a significant effect on the environment as it provides high level guidance only; and does not approve any projects, permit any construction, commit to a specific development, or grant any entitlements. Individual improvement projects will be evaluated for CEQA compliance as designs for each project are advanced.
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated cost of improvements identified in the Updated January 2025 Master Plan is approximately $22.8 million. This estimate excludes costs associated with the Centennial Way Park South project, which opened to the public in September 2024.
Cost estimates reflect 2024 construction pricing and are expected to increase over time due to inflation. For budgeting purposes, staff recommend applying an annual inflation factor of 6% for years beyond 2024.
If the Revised January 2025 Master Plan is approved, staff will continue to pursue grants, developer fees, and other potential funding sources to support project implementation, which can be executed in phases as funding is secured.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Approval of this action will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan. It aligns with Priority #2, which is focused on enhancing quality of life by building and maintaining a sustainable city, making the city a great place to live, learn and play.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the Centennial Way Trail Master Plan - Revised January 2025 (Project No. pk2103).