The BCDC’s staff report for its first review of the Intermodal Station concludes that “at this conceptual stage [...] the Board should focus on the siting and massing of the new station building, the amount and quality of the proposed public access, the proposed extensions of the Bay Trail, the proposed connections and circulation around the station building, along streets, and out to Hercules Point, and any potential impacts the development could have on physical and visual access to the Bay.”

The staff also listed a series of questions the design review board should consider…

1. Does the proposed project provide adequate, usable, and attractive public access spaces?
2. Although later phases of the project involve the construction of additional public access, does the Phase 1 public access, provide adequate spaces and connections in the initial phase? Are the interim improvements adequately designed and implemented? For example, the viewing platforms where future bridges or connections are proposed in later phases?
3. Does the proposed project maintain and enhance the visual quality of the Bay, shoreline and adjacent developments? Is the station building appropriately sited, massed and designed to adequately preserve views to the Bay and maximize the public’s enjoyment of the waterfront?
4. Would the proposed public access areas accommodate the number of individuals and variety of uses that would likely use the public access areas?
5. Are there adequate view corridors from the public street to the Bay that would lead the public to and along the public access areas?
6. Do the site layout and the design of the public plazas, trails, and parks provide usable and inviting public spaces that are oriented to the Bay and adequately separate different public uses?