Dear Menlo Park Council Members:
I’m writing on behalf of the League of Women Voters of South San Mateo
County to inform you that our League *opposes “The Downtown Parking Plazas
Ordinance” Ballot Initiative* currently being proposed in Menlo Park.
If approved, this initiative would require an election to authorize any
proposed housing development on the downtown parking plaza lands. Our
League’s opposition is grounded in our *Housing Position* and our belief
that requiring elections or public referendums for specific housing
proposals creates unnecessary barriers, adds costs, and increases
uncertainty—ultimately discouraging much-needed housing development in our
community.
The League of Women Voters of South San Mateo County supports *city housing
policies that identify local housing needs, advocate for affordable
housing, and promote housing production*, including for low- and
moderate-income households. We believe Menlo Park must continue to take
proactive steps to address housing needs rather than create new procedural
obstacles.
Our *Housing Position in Brief* supports:
-
Mixed-use development that combines residential and commercial uses in
commercially zoned areas;
-
Adaptive reuse, building conversions, and use of air rights to enable
construction over existing uses;
-
Consideration of environmental quality, safety, design standards,
jobs/housing balance, traffic patterns, and infrastructure in all housing
policies.
For your reference:
-
League of Women Voters of South San Mateo County – Position on Housing
Thank you for your attention to this important issue and for your continued
leadership in shaping Menlo Park’s housing future.
Sincerely,
Lucia Tedesco
President
League of Women Voters of South San Mateo County
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*Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.*
