Mayor Combs and members of the Menlo Park City Council,
I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed development on
our downtown parking lots. Change is never easy, but this is a
once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of Menlo Park in ways
that better reflect the evolving needs of our community.
Redeveloping these lots would create much-needed housing opportunities for
a wider range of residents, bring new foot traffic and energy to downtown,
and help sustain both new and existing local businesses. Right now, our
downtown too often feels stagnant—defined by empty storefronts and
repetitive services rather than by innovation and vitality.
A small group of families with generational wealth has long influenced what
happens downtown. While they claim to protect the community, their
resistance to progress has the opposite effect: it prevents the next
generation from ensuring Menlo Park remains a vibrant, welcoming, and
thriving place for years to come.
Please be bold. This project represents the kind of thoughtful,
forward-looking investment our city needs. Let’s not miss the chance to
reimagine downtown as a place where everyone can live, work, and connect.
Thank you for your leadership and consideration.
Sincerely,
Julie Hartstein
Menlo Park Resident
