Scripted Meeting Fails

The bad news is that the Wednesday night meeting was ineffective for both the Santa Clara Valley Water District and for supporters of specific alternatives that prevent floodwalls. Horrible acoustics inside the gym made it impossible to break into five separate, but highly scripted, small group discussions. The organizers switched to an alternative format: staff walking around with a microphone taking one question at a time from around the gym.  Turnout was quite good with over 150 people attending.

The good news is that the SCVWD did get the message that neighborhoods in the vicinity of the creek are not happy with the two Pope-Chaucer Bridge Replacement alternatives that enable future floodwall projects. People also expressed concern about telling the water district which bridge alternative they preferred by Valentine's Day when many environmental questions remain unanswered. The JPA and water district showed a much more positive attitude toward upstream diversion into culverts and upstream detention. Only future actions will tell if this is a true change of direction, but it is very encouraging.

Palo Alto Online Residents raise issues with Pope-Chaucer bridge project
The Almanac Two design alternatives unpopular with Palo Alto, Menlo Park residents

The SCVWD's presentation materials are available



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