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. A decision to repurpose those lots should be made by the residents who use them - not by outside consultants.
I live in Menlo Park and It’s already hard enough to find parking to do the local "quick shop” ( groceries etc) as it is, i fear that if the proposed plan for housing passes, not one will we loose access to the parking that we already have but also but for the coming 3-5 years it will take to complete the build will complete destroy/displace the existing local business we have
On the many new developments along El Camino on spring line etc…. we’re already seeing empty and closed shop fronts and “Still for Lease” signs on the latest housing development in place of the small restaurants and unique local shops that used to be there
Surely they are other locations that this housing can be placed in menlo park? perhaps a development like this closer to the Bay that can regenerate older communities rather than change the look and feel of a vibrant local downtown community
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,
-Anthony Willis
-Partidge Avenue , Menlo Park
