Frequently Asked Questions

The Downtown Streetscape Master Plan is a document that will include design guidelines and concepts to improve the public realm of Main Street in downtown Half Moon Bay. The Streetscape Master Plan will be based on community feedback for how people and vehicles get around downtown, parking, landscaping, furnishings, public art and more. It will also align with and build upon the City of Half Moon Bay’s recent policy and planning efforts (e.g., Parks Master Plan, Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, Green Infrastructure Plan, Local Coastal Land Use Plan). 

The project study area includes all of Main Street from Highway 1 at the north to Highway 1 at the south, with a more detailed focus on the four blocks of Heritage Main Street (from the Historic Bridge to Correas Street).

“Redesign[ing] the streetscape on Heritage Main Street in Half Moon Bay to improve mobility, economic activity, and vibrancy” was one of 15 recommendations that came out of the Coastside Recovery Initiative (CRI). As part of the CRI, people observed that aspects of Main Street’s physical design could be improved to increase access, improve mobility, and stimulate more economic activity. This project is a direct response to action items identified through the CRI and demonstrates the City’s commitment to address community-identified needs. 

The Streetscape Master Plan is a concept-level document intended to identify both short and long-term improvements to the downtown. It will be based on a thorough review of existing conditions and extensive public engagement. This document will inform private development activity on Main Street as well as peripheral public projects. The Plan is a critical step in the City’s ability to seek and compete for funding to support streetscape improvements through philanthropic, federal, State, and county programs.

Construction is subject to funding availability. The Plan will establish a vision and design concepts that can then be utilized to guide future phases of work. Future phases of work will require financing beyond the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). 

No decisions or recommendations have been made at this time. The project team is in the process of soliciting input and feedback from community members and stakeholder groups which will inform the development of the final Plan.

The Downtown Streetscape Master Plan project process is anticipated to wrap up by summer 2024. 

The Plan was funded by City General Fund dollars allocated by the City Council to the Capital Improvement Program. 

There are multiple ways to get updates and information about this project: 

• Check out the project page on the City’s website 
• Sign up to receive our weekly eNewsletter to stay on top of this and other city projects
• Follow us on social media @cityofhmb

The next opportunity for involvement is a Design Workshop October 23-24^th and a Public Meeting at IDES Hall on October 24^th from 6 to 7:30 PM. Community members are invited to drop into the “studio” at the Library October 23^rd 1pm-5pm and October 24^th 9am-12pm to see the design team at work. We encourage you to come to the Public Meeting and if you cannot attend the public meeting, please drop by the Library for “Open Studio” time! After the October Design Workshop, we will post additional information about next steps and ways to stay involved on the project website. 

This project is being led by the City on behalf of the community, in partnership with a consultant team. The consultant team is comprised of Toole Design, with support by Opticos Design and Yamabe & Horn. And all of you have an important role to play. Your voices and perspectives are critical for developing ideas and recommendations, and for the ultimate success of this project.