The policy calendar is set for the next year. The Council is now in position to consider ideas for master planning that will need futuristic vision. I would like to take you on a journey into the future. Let me paint a picture of how I might see Foster City 20 years from now.
The year is 2026. I got off the train at the San Mateo Bay Meadows Station. Individual city shuttle buses were circling the station area waiting for passengers. A blue and green bus with Foster City’s logo was filling quickly with riders. The County’s dependable public transportation system made life easy for residents on the Peninsula to ride from one city to another. Few cars were on the road.
Coming over the Hillsdale Blvd. Bridge, the Metro Tower still stood as the tallest building in Foster City. The main lagoon was glistening in the sun. Boaters were enjoying a day of recreation while families picnicked in the park. Ryan Park was still the gateway to the City.
The shuttle turned the corner by City Hall and I got off at the “Plaza.” This was apparently a popular meeting spot as illustrated by the people walking around. With the multi story apartments/lofts (mostly for seniors) on top and bistros with outside eating facilities, boutiques, an art gallery, and an ice cream parlor on the bottom. This was the hub of the town.
The Hillbarn theatre was moved there and was much larger than I remembered. It became renowned throughout the county for its spectacular performances and youth programs.
Near the library was a coffee house where people could sit outside and read and converse. One of the restaurants had music coming from it. The weather was warm and children walked around eating ice cream cones. The City had changed a bit from what I had remembered. The water fountain in the center added to the ambiance since cars were not allowed through this area.
While walking towards the library, I could see the Stilt Walkers art still standing near the bocce courts and Recreation Center across the street. The “Plaza” was a beautiful link to the Park. There was also an over crossing for pedestrians to keep the flow of foot traffic from the Plaza to the Park. This was a great feature especially when the city had special events and evening concerts.
I walked across to catch the shuttle in front of the Parkside Towers. The shuttle wound around the City on Beach Park. I noticed the levee pathway was wider to accommodate the many walkers and bikers. Beach Park Plaza was a beautiful town home complex that accommodated the housing needs of the City.
You see, Foster City had become “the place” to live since it was mid way from San Francisco to San Jose and the East Bay and easy access to all major airports. With the shuttles, Cal Train and Bart, it was easy to get around the bay area.
The shuttle circled around past St Luke’s Church. There were parents driving into a parking area at Sea Cloud Park right off Cutter Street. I recalled how I wished that had been available when I lived in neighborhood #3. I didn’t like having to drive all the way around town to the fields when it was a “stone’s throw” from Beach Park Blvd.
The shuttle turned down Shell Blvd so I could pass by the Plaza again. We passed what used to be Charter Square. On the site were now condominiums. The City had truly gravitated to a central hub. The old shopping areas now provided the needed affordable housing in the City.
Foster City had also become a prime area for bio tech companies that were looking for areas where most of their employees could call home. As I passed the Plaza and Recreation Center, I recalled that Leo Ryan Park was originally called Central Park. The vision of the master plan finally created a central city hub for all to enjoy.
Now, what’s your vision for Foster City. Significant decisions on the future of our City are at hand. Please join this Council in developing the path for the City’s future.
As always I welcome your comments on this and other matters. lkoelling@aol.com.
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