Downtown Parklet Program Extension and 700 Block of Laurel
San Carlos
Summary
Longtime residents are pushing the city to reopen the 700 block of Laurel Street to cars, arguing the pandemic-era pedestrian plaza is hurting nearby businesses and that other Bay Area cities reopened years ago.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 2
Rising — discussed at 3 meetings since Sep 14, 2026, up from 1 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
Businesses on and near the 700 block report struggling without curbside access and parking.
Reopening would help merchants and older or disabled residents who need parking and curbside pickup.
Supporters of the pedestrian plaza would lose the car-free space if the street reopens.
Mentions & discussions (5)
City Council Regular Meeting - Oct 26, 2026
A 31-year downtown business owner told the Council the closed 700 block of Laurel Street is hurting restaurants and shops, and asked for a trial reopening or hybrid design with a real seat at the table for business owners.
City Council Regular Meeting - Oct 13, 2026
Downtown business owners and residents again pressed the council on the 700 block Laurel Street closure and Harrington Park costs, citing 20-50% revenue drops and a park project that grew from $3 million to $7 million. A new business owner offered a fresh start for dialogue.
City Council Regular Meeting - Sep 14, 2026
Longtime residents are pushing the city to reopen the 700 block of Laurel Street to cars, arguing the pandemic-era pedestrian plaza is hurting nearby businesses and that other Bay Area cities reopened years ago.
City Council Regular Meeting - Aug 24, 2026
The parklet program that closed part of Laurel Street to cars got another year of life, and restaurant advocates warned against shrinking outdoor dining. Meanwhile, resident Ken Castle is pushing the Council to reconsider the whole street-closure approach and hold a public discussion on reopening the 700 block.
City Council Special Meeting - Aug 24, 2026
Resident Ken Kessel supported extending parklets, warning that eliminating them in favor of a handful of tables could cost the city restaurants — with Town named as most at risk.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for San Carlos
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.