Members of the city council,
I have resided in Sharon Heights since 1981 and have seen changes in the neighborhood - some to my liking and others not.
When our young family moved here from another part of Menlo Park, we enjoyed walking the wooded area at the top of La Loma Drive. Apparently, the bond did not pass to purchase this land by the city years ago so it was converted in to townhouses with a steep park adjacent to the these homes. This park is fine for the goats but it was never great for families to hike or walk,
We were fortunate to have Sharon Park as another choice that was within walking distance to our home. This is an enchanting area for all to use - both people and wildlife. The deer, Canada geese, egrets, and the Red-shouldered Hawks are certainly part of this park community. During the pandemic, people from different parts of the surrounding cities also enjoyed the duck pond, the grassy area, the wooded area (or what is left of it) and the area beyond the pond for play and exploration by children. There has been many weddings and birthday parties enjoyed at Sharon Park as well.
There must be a reason to target Sharon Park for new housing units. I am curious as to your answer. Also, have you done serious studies and surveys on the impact of all this building to be done and what it will do to this community ? Please keep us informed step-by- step and include the reasons for your decisions as you progress in finding the right locations in all of Menlo Park.
Two questions I have left for you to discuss ...do the units have to be built on ANY park, and are some units along El Camino a possible designation for low-income housing since there are buses and Cal Trans for transportation. Mass transportation is not available in Sharon Heights. Let us go forward with a good plan that is acceptable by the community.
Patricia Gregorian and Keith Nall
95 La Loma Drive
Menlo Park, CA 94025
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