Mayor Combs and City Council,
I enthusiastically support the Downtown Parking Plazas Citizens’ Initiative.
As a small business officing on Crane Street, I stare out at the parking
lots from my office window daily. These lots are full all day long with
people circling looking for parking. Multiple times a month clients are on
their way to my office for an in-person meeting and call me to let me know
they are running behind "because they cant find parking."
Converting these parking plazas will crater downtown businesses. I am for
affordable housing but not in this location that would destroy the fabric
of our downtown just as it is starting to grow with new vibrancy from
Loretta, Clarks, etc.
If these lots are converted, I will 100% relocate my business out of
downtown Menlo Park as Im sure countless other small businesses will as
well. It will turn downtown Menlo Park into a ghost town for 3-4 years
during the construction - storefronts on Santa Cruz will be empty and
restaurants will leave.
Menlo Park’s 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,
Billy McNair
Owner 140 Stone Pine Lane, Menlo Park
