Dear members of the Menlo Park City Council, There's been a lot of talk on Nextdoor suggesting that street closures -- especially Santa Cruz Avenue -- might benefit restaurants who could then expand their businesses out into the street. But could such be detrimental to other restaurants in town? Folks will flock to those on Santa Cruz for the novelty of eating outside -- essentially expanding the concept of Left Bank and Vida, etc. -- and will ignore businesses elsewhere. If several streets close, it will be difficult for folks to get around town -- and most denizens of our city must drive to town for dinner (or even shopping in daytime). I assume that you will solicit input from all businesses in downtown Menlo Park. Will street closures help or hurt most businesses, who have already suffered from having been closed for two months. Whatever you decide, please do not make changes permanent. Remember a few years ago when a "parklet" was created with faux grass on -- was it Doyle Drive? Few ever sat there; the parklet was an unloved eyesore. Thank goodness City Council had not made it a permanent fixture. I don't envy your role in this era; thank you for serving our city. nancy barnby central menlo Received on Mon May 11 2020 - 18:13:25 PDT
