REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Study Session on Pedestrian Access on County Expressways
Report
BACKGROUND
At the November 12, 2024 City Council meeting during the Public Presentations portion of the agenda, member of the public Akos Szoboszlay requested that the City repeal Resolution No. 5603 (Attachment 1) related to pedestrian restrictions on portions of Lawrence and San Tomas Expressways. This request was referred to staff for follow up with the resident. Staff followed up with the resident, however Mr. Szoboszlay returned to City Council meetings on several occasions to request that the resolution be repealed.
At the September 16, 2025 City Council meeting, Mr. Szoboszlay reiterated his request and staff was requested to schedule a Study Session on this matter. Since that time, staff has met with both the County of Santa Clara and Mr. Szoboszlay. Based on the available information and discussions at those meetings, staff has informed Mr. Szoboszlay that they currently do not support repeal of the resolution.
DISCUSSION
This Study Session will provide the Council with information on the City’s role in approving pedestrian restrictions on County expressways, past actions taken under this authority, and opinions on the City’s responsibilities regarding pedestrian access on expressways.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is a study session, and no action is being taken by the City Council that constitutes a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational policy making or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
Because this is a study session item, there is no fiscal impact beyond the staff time involved in preparing this report.
COORDINATION
The report was coordinated with City Attorney’s Office, Police Department, and the County of Santa Clara Roads and Airports Department.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Note and File Study Session Report and provide any feedback on pedestrian access on County Expressways
Staff
Reviewed by: Craig Mobeck, Director of Public Works
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. 5603
2. Map of Expressway pedestrian facilities and pedestrian prohibition