Mayor Combs and City Council,
I enthusiastically support the Downtown Parking Plazas Citizens’ Initiative.Menlo Park’s downtown, quite simply, depends on the access provided by the parking plazas.
I have scrutinized the RFQ applications by the builders along with their statements and Mid Pen was the only one that might fit in with Menlo Parks ambiance. However, they did seem to have some parking issues.
A decision to repurpose those lots should be made by the residents who use them - not by outside consultants who care nothing for the disruption this will do to our downtown merchants and shoppers.
I have also spent some time re-reading many of the 400 emails the council received just before, or at the November 19, 2024 meeting, one year ago. It was very interesting to see the comments, like why hasnt there been community outreach on this issue or at least meetings with the merchants who will be affected - why are we just hearing about this now - why hasnt there been traffic studies commissioned or a study to look at the impact this will have on the businesses. Some stated clearly that fast tracking undermines the trust and partnership which has long characterized our towns decision making. And another, your unwavering determination to push through this ill conceived project is an insult to the community you claim to serve.
So here we are a year later having gathered more signatures than needed which translates that this plan is not the will of the residences - and you just keep going forward. Not once doing a study on the alternatives sites that have been presented to you.
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, Barbara MasonFremont Street - Menlo Park
