Mayor Combs and City Council,
Real life examples of the impact of the proposal are now playing out. I had
an opportunity to partner with someone that would buy into my business. An
offer was on the table but after looking closely at the plans for building
housing in the parking lots in Menlo Park the offer was withdrawn- just the
possibility of the project is enough for people to refuse to invest in doing
business in Menlo Park. Things will only get worse if this project is
approved. There must be better options for building housing that wont
result in decimating the downtown core which will take years and years to
rebuild. I have yet to talk to anyone involved in business and real estate
that doesnt feel that building housing on the three lots along Santa Cruz
Avenue will have disastrous results for the corridor and downtown Menlo
park.
I enthusiastically support the Downtown Parking Plazas Citizens Initiative.
Menlo Parks downtown, quite simply, depends on the access provided by the
parking plazas. A decision to repurpose those lots should be made by the
residents who use them - not by outside consultants.
Whether Council adopts the ordinance outright, places it on the November
ballot, or calls a special election, it will be a great day for democracy in
Menlo Park.
Thank you,
Mitchell Bearg
