REDWOOD CITY, CA — Redwood City has taken the first formal step toward what could become one of the region’s most significant health care projects: a Stanford Medicine Cancer Center on the university’s Broadway campus.
On April 13, the City Council voted 4–0, with three recusals, to initiate amendments to the city’s General Plan and the Stanford in Redwood City Precise Plan.
The action does not approve the project itself but authorizes city-led environmental review, community engagement, and negotiation over a new or amended development agreement and community benefits.
The concept presented by Stanford includes a new multi‑story cancer hospital, new medical clinic and research buildings on both sides of Broadway, three new parking garages, and a new central utility plant near Bay Road and Douglas Avenue. Several buildings could rise to 9–10 stories, exceeding current plan limits.
Councilmembers emphasized the opportunity as well as the need for safeguards.
Councilmember Diane Howard focused on patient and family impacts, urging Stanford to plan for lodging and post‑acute care before returning with detailed plans.
“Where are they going to house the patients and their families? Where will patients who require skilled nursing or hospice go?” she asked.
Councilmember Marcella Padilla said the project could bring benefits if done right, but stressed the need for an open campus.
“I hope that the re‑envisioning of this doesn’t make this an exclusive campus that isn’t welcoming,” she said. “I hope that it is interconnected and welcoming and is viewed as a public space.”
Formal project applications, detailed plans, and a full environmental impact report are expected over the next two years, with multiple public meetings before any final council decision.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Redwood City, CA Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.