Around Palo

FY2027 $17M deficit with position cuts; crossing guard funding restored contingent on PAUSD match. June 15 utilities hearing. Newell Road Bridge closure. SB 79 housing law now in effect; nine applications totaling 341 homes, including latest Forest Commons (69 units downtown) and 19-unit near Cal Ave, plus earlier Coronet Motel replacement, College Terrace projects, and 350 Forest Ave reduced proposal. New: preliminary plans for six luxury condos at 340 Palo Alto Avenue (SB79 infill near Caltrain). Council's urgency ordinance failed; local limits kick in July 16. Rent control vote outcome unknown. Pro-housing designation public comment through June 17. Cubberley sales tax on November ballot. San Antonio office complex advanced. New office tower near 101. 2026 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan approved. Museum lifeline. Utility rate hikes approved. Police lateral incentives approved. Midtown fire lot back on market. Council filed amicus brief supporting county ICE detention lawsuit. Council approved retail rule rewrite. Divided panel backed restoring parkland status to Baylands site. Water supply dispute with SF PUC emerging. GM leasing 340K sf at Stanford Research Park. No council meeting this week; Land Use Committee meets Tuesday with two proposals. New: 127 Lytton Ave mixed-use project proposal under review. Also, single-story overlay protections for Eichler neighborhoods are a key zoning issue being discussed. Planning commissioner investigated over tow dispute; council reappointed, suggesting no misconduct. Opinion piece argues for selective new office development. A serious bike crash at San Antonio/Middlefield highlights ongoing traffic safety concerns. New: City shared FY2026-27 budget update with $17.1M deficit and balancing strategies. New: Cal Ave 'Bank Gym' uproar — unpermitted use, stop-work orders, developer pivoting to SB79 for taller project. New: Harvest Properties bought a 24.5-acre R&D campus at a steep discount (44% off 2019 price) and is exploring converting half into housing — a major land-use pivot. New: Reduced 69-unit SB79 proposal at 350 Forest Avenue (down from 8 to 6 stories, 9 affordable units). New: Home invasion arrest (suspect locked in bathroom) adds to safety blotter. New: Palo Alto developer sues Menlo Park over $127K SB9 subdivision fee, potentially setting precedent for local lot splits. New: Real estate blog roundup details five SB79 applications including Coronet Motel replacement and College Terrace projects. New: Palo Alto Forward hosting SB79 celebration meeting on July 30 to discuss housing projects near CalTrain. New: Two Barron Park home intrusions — suspect entered while resident investigated disturbance; another couple found intruder in bathroom, arrested. These add to safety concerns. New: City reissued code violations at Opportunity Center after Abode challenged initial mold findings; new inspection found pests and water damage but no mold, raising questions about enforcement and resident welfare. Final two SB79 projects filed (Forest Commons and 19-unit near Cal Ave) round out nine-project wave. New: City/School Liaison Committee meeting schedule published — routine but relevant civic calendar item.