E W's List: Los Altos

The Downtown Development Committee is exploring ways to revitalize and strengthen the downtown area, attract more people and businesses to downtown and add additional parking spaces without diminishing its “village” character.

To make shopping downtown more convenient and attractive during the holiday season, the city of Los Altos has introduced a merchant-recommended parking program, which allows businesses to offer customers free parking coupons, valid until Jan. 6, to park longer than three hours and use employee parking spots if needed.

First Street improvements were scheduled to coincide with Safeway’s expansion project and the redevelopment of the property at 100 First St. to add visual improvements to the street, which serves as an entrance to the downtown area.

Discussions are under way with Safeway regarding the development of its First Street store, Brees said.

The current lease on the post office on First Street expires in January, according to James Wigdel, spokesman for the postal service. The city council has already approved a plan by Lamb Partners to develop the property at 100 First St., according to Anne Stedler, economic development coordinator for the city of Los Altos, with space for office, retail and parking.