Dear Council Members,
Thank you for your service and dedication to addressing the pressing housing challenges facing our community. I recognize the importance of meeting state mandates and the social need for affordable housing, and I fully support the inclusion of low-income housing in Menlo Park. However, I strongly oppose its development at the heart of our town.
As a lifelong resident of Menlo Park, I have a deep connection to this community. I attended Laurel, Hillview, and Menlo-Atherton High School before graduating from UCSB and eventually returning to raise my family here. Since 2009, I have been a homeowner and taxpayer, with my three boys following the same educational path through Oak Knoll, Hillview, and now Menlo-Atherton.
Given my roots and commitment to this town, I feel compelled to express my concerns about the current process. It seems rushed and lacking in transparency, leaving many of us residents feeling unheard. I urge the Council to explore alternative locations more thoroughly.
For example, why not consider partnerships with local developers or landowners who may have underutilized sites and could collaborate with the City in exchange for concessions? This approach could avoid placing the burden squarely on the heart of our city. A professional real estate outreach and diligence team would be invaluable in identifying creative and viable solutions.
The proposed development of surface parking lots in the center of town raises significant concerns about the impact on our community. The construction phase alone would disrupt what little retail we have left, causing prolonged chaos and likely forcing businesses to close. Whether done all at once or in phases, the disruption would either be intense and short-lived or prolonged for a decade. Either scenario would erode the fabric of our community.
It is hard to believe that these locations are the only viable options. I strongly request that the Council allocate more time, resources, and effort to ensure that all opportunities are properly vetted. Menlo Park deserves a transparent process that balances the need for housing with the preservation of our towns character and vitality.
Thank you for considering the overwhelming concerns from Menlo Park residents.
Sincerely,
Mike Courson
NOTICE: This e-mail message and any attachments are intended solely for the use of the intended recipient, and may contain information that is confidential, privileged and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are not permitted to read, disclose, reproduce, distribute, use or take any action in reliance upon this message and any attachments, and we request that you promptly notify the sender and immediately delete this message and any attachments as well as any copies thereof. Delivery of this message to an unintended recipient is not intended to waive any right or privilege. Newmark is neither qualified nor authorized to give legal or tax advice, and any such advice should be obtained from an appropriate, qualified professional advisor of your own choosing.
