Mayor, Councilmembers, and Staff,
I’m writing to express my strong support for finalizing the design of the
Middle Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Rail Crossing project. It’s critical
that this project be “shovel ready” while the City continues pursuing the
additional funding needed to bring it to completion.
I have lived here since 2011, and this action is long overdue. As Menlo
Park continues moving forward with major developments at SRI, the potential
80 Willow project, USGS, and others, we must provide safer, more practical
ways for residents to cross El Camino Real on foot and by bike.
A Middle Avenue crossing would also help relieve some of the safety
pressures we currently see at Ravenswood and Alma, where pedestrians,
trains, and vehicle traffic converge in what often feels like a perfect
storm. Providing a safer, more direct crossing option will reduce reliance
on these already challenging intersections.
Most importantly, this project aligns with the future of our city. Over the
next decade, Menlo Park will grow and change. We should be proactively
investing in infrastructure that enables more people to travel safely to
school, work, shopping, and home using a variety of transportation options.
I urge the City to take this important step forward.
Sincerely,
Julie Hartstein
Menlo Park Resident
