Our Blossming Downtown!

By Dave Warden

Little more than a dream a few years ago, Belmont is finally getting the downtown it deserves!

Not for long!!

Thanks to the hard work of the Downtown Task Force, the Planning Commission, the City Council, and the Planning Department, Belmont's downtown is finally becoming a reality.

Here are some of the DOWNTOWN-SPECIFIC projects currently going on, many of which I have reviewed while serving on the Belmont Planning Commission:

• Belmont's new train station, with clock tower and glass elevator
• Village Center at the corner of Ralston and El Camino
• Belmont Vista Senior Assisted Living Center
• New facade and seismic upgrading for City Hall
• Revised landscaping plans for the Grade Separation
• Unified Design Guidelines for Downtown
• Walgreens Block redevelopment proposals
• Facade improvements on El Camino storefronts between Hill and Middle Road

I am firmly committed to the future of the downtown--to expand our tax base, and to bring more creative focus and energy to our city. We need to keep our "main street" alive and well! Here are some of the projects that I want to pursue:

• Move forward with the Walgreens block development, encouraging additional retail frontage on El Camino and Ralston.
• Create a two-level parking garage behind the storefronts, hidden from the street.
• Build focal points into new plaza areas, to include a fountain and public artwork.
• Clean up Old County Road! Increase code enforcement in the area and put the utility wires underground.
• Work with existing businesses to implement facade improvements along Ralston and El Camino storefronts.
• Encourage *quality* service and retail businesses to come to Belmont to populate our blossoming downtown.

I believe that Belmont needs my proven experience and leadership to "keep the ball rolling" on our new downtown. I respectfully ask for your vote--let's make it happen!

Thanks!

Dave Warden