Redwood City moves to close Broadway to vehicles permanently

Redwood City is one of several cities on the Peninsula that established pedestrian malls and parklets in downtown areas, a trend that began during the COVID-19 pandemic when indoor dining was restricted.

Redwood City is one step closer to closing Broadway in downtown to vehicles permanently. Although the City Council unanimously voted to push the final vote until May 6, the delay was only to hear additional public comments on establishing the permanent pedestrian mall downtown between Jefferson Avenue and Main Street.

“The city has found during the temporary street closure that the creation of pedestrian zones has added
to the vitality and vibrancy of downtown Redwood City,” city staff said in a report.

Questions revolved around minor details on crosswalks and aesthetic improvements, but the City Council is expected to approve the ordinance next month.

Redwood City is one of several cities on the Peninsula that has established pedestrian malls and parklets in downtown areas, a trend that began during the COVID-19 pandemic when indoor dining was restricted.

Palo Alto permanently closed California Avenue to cars in late 2023, while B Street in downtown San Mateo has been closed to vehicular traffic since 2021.

The project is estimated to cost $450,000. The money would be used to implement improvements for the closure including guard rails, loading zones, minor re-striping and signal improvements. At least $150,000 would be sourced from the city’s budget while $150,000 would be sourced from the Redwood City Improvement Association, a local nonprofit.

Several community members came out to support the move.

“It’s such a vibrant place downtown that allows businesses to thrive and people to connect in downtown Redwood City. Maybe in the future add more open spaces,” said Taylor Pope.

Dylan Finch, co-chair of Redwood City’s downtown association, submitted a petition to the City Council where 83 of 90 people he spoke to said they supported the closure of Broadway.

“Most said it was great for children and safer,” Finch said.

High parking costs, due to the closure of street parking spaces, were among the main reasons cited by those who didn’t support the closure.

Cathy Oyster, who owns property affected by the closure, said in a written comment she was concerned over the financial harm the closure would bring businesses.

She expressed concern about activities “that occur in the Pedestrian Mall adjacent to our properties and businesses'” and other financial losses that might be incurred due to the closure.

If approved, implementation is expected to begin by this fall or winter.