October 5, 2025
Dear Mayor Combs, City Council Members and City Manager;
Take the Downtown Parking Lots off the table and put the alternative sites
on the table for developers to start the quote, permit and building process
*NOW*. And/or adopt the Downtown Parking Plaza Ordinance right out.
Our downtown businesses, the owner and employees depend on the parking lots
for their businesses to survive and thrive. Hundreds depend on theses
businesses for their livelihoods. A takeover of the downtown parking lots
is harmful to long time owners and their employees.
The following are proposed sites that will not hurt and displace our
business owners and their employees:
1. Since 2022, *Bohannon Park:* *25 acres* has been offered for much
needed housing.
2. Some City owned land where many have large parking lots which could
accommodate much needed *very low, low and moderate* housing projects with
underground parking are:
· *2400 Branner Drive*: *1.6 acres* for housing and maintain 1.3
acres parkland;
· *1283 Willow Road*: *.66 acres* currently an empty lot;
· *333 Burgess Drive: 2.35 acres* current use can be consolidated
elsewhere;
· *Nealon Park:* *9-acre* park with a playground, sports fields,
and an off-leash dog area;
· *Sharon Park:* *9.83-acre* park with a playground, gazebo, lake,
and walking path; and
· *Burgess Park:* *9.31-acre* park located at the Civic Center
campus that includes a playground and sports fields.
By 2031, the City of Menlo Park needs housing proposals for the following
income levels: 740 very low; 426 low; 496 moderate. Planned housing in any
combination of the above along with current plans at SRI, etc. can meet the
state requirements while respecting the current business owners, their
employees and the majority of your constituents.
Actions speak louder than words. Kindly support your constituents and the
democratic rule.
Sincerely,
Rubye Cervelli
