Laurel Street closure

A 31-year downtown business owner described the most depressed downtown he's seen in three decades, asked for a trial reopening of the 700 block with a hybrid design preserving parklets, and requested a genuine partnership with a seat at the table.

Thanked staff for the Civics Academy and the downtown vendor meeting, but criticized the council for not attending and said merchants unanimously oppose the downtown plan and want the 700 block reopened.

Urged the Council to pause the downtown revitalization plan and schedule a dedicated public discussion about reopening the 700 block of Laurel, pointing to Burlingame's alternative approach and concerns about business impacts.

Urged the council to pause the 700 block Laurel Street closure, citing business impacts and pointing to Burlingame's town square alternative.