Saratoga Village Streetscape Improvements to Bring Safer Crossings

Phase two of the Saratoga Village street improvements promises to bring safer crossings and more consistent signage to downtown Saratoga in the coming months.

The Saratoga Public Works Department applied for and received a $1.2 million dollar pedestrian safety grant from the VTA for Saratoga Village. The grant includes a lighted crosswalk at the Starbucks location on Big Basin Way and other crosswalk improvements to Blaney Plaza.

In addition, the “spur” street next to Starbucks will receive stamped concrete paving and removable bollards that will make the street a pedestrian mall during an event. Also, two new parking spaces will be added to the spur, which will help alleviate the lack of parking in that busy area.

New and improved signage and lighting is also part of the plan, in addition to a kiosk featuring a map of local businesses and community events to be built at Blaney Plaza. These improvements will take place next summer and fall.

“Saratogans feel that the Village is a quaint respite from the hustle and bustle of the Silicon Valley,” said Saratoga Mayor Jill Hunter, “and these improvements will only add to the enjoyment and beauty of their historic downtown.”

The first phase of the street improvements on Big Basin Way between Highway 9 and Sixth Street began in 2009 and were paid for by grants from VTA and Caltrans.

Unfortunately, due to a nearly $380,000 budget shortfall since the original plan was presented, a large archway over the entrance to downtown and other beautification improvements will have to be put on the back burner as safety improvements take first priority, according to Saratoga Parks and Public Works Director John Cherbone.

To read the complete staff report for the second part of the Saratoga Village streetscape improvements, please see attached PDF.