Hello everyone,
Im adding Erik, LLESD Superintendent, to this email for visibility.
Thank you,
Monica
On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 8:40 AM Shirley Chiu
wrote:
> Hello, Jennifer.
>
> Thanks for your response. It is my understanding that projects such as
> the expansion of Phillips Brooks typically would require a traffic study.
> It is a fairly routine matter for the city. In addition, it was also my
> understanding that city streets are sixty feet wide and that most lots
> include a strip or portion of city owned property or right of way. The
> extension of the safe sidewalks along Santa Cruz Ave was possible on this
> basis and did not require any easements by private property owners.
>
> I will forward this conversation to the city manager. He can address this
> matter expeditiously.
> Sincerely yours,
> Shirley Chiu
>
> On Wed, Feb 4, 2026, 7:33 AM Jennifer Bohnen
> wrote:
>
>> Shirley,
>>
>> Thank you for your email and suggestions. From my understanding, to widen
>> the road would entail a traffic study that the city would need to trigger.
>> In the past, we have made suggestions to the city but they are
>> responsible for the road. Since the school district owns the land, they
>> would need to agree to an easement and work with the city. Since we are the
>> leasee, we dont have control over widening the road and can only share
>> our observations.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Jenn
>>
>> On Tue, Feb 3, 2026 at 7:22 PM Shirley Chiu
>> wrote:
>>
>>> neighbors@phillipsbrooks.org
>>>
>>> Phillip Brooks School
>>>
>>> Las Lomitas Administration
>>>
>>> City of Menlo Park
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I noted that many of large eucalyptus trees along the frontage of Avy
>>> Avenue have been cut down recently. I commend this improvement as it
>>> brings a more open ambiance and eliminates minor nuisance non-native trees
>>> that are reputed to be hazardous.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> As the school’s yard along Avy is re-landscaped, may I suggest that the
>>> schools consider widening Avy by about five to ten feet from the school
>>> driveway to the stop sign at Altschul? When Phillip Brooks has a school
>>> event, there is often a contention for street parking between the school
>>> and the nearby homes on Avy, Deanna, and Bellair. In addition, when cars
>>> are parked along Avy on these occasions, the street is narrow and more
>>> hazardous. The limited travel width of Avy is also a hazard during the
>>> daily drop off and pickup by parents. The cars are stacked along the road
>>> waiting for the opportunity to turn into the driveway of the school pickup
>>> zone. This narrowing of Avy causes cars to back up on Avy and the
>>> congestion is also a hazard for bicycles and pedestrians.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> The yard on along this stretch is quite deep and the contribution of
>>> land to a new sidewalk and a wider street would hardly be noticed. This
>>> parking would be primarily available for Phillip Brooks events. The nearby
>>> homes opposite would not have any occasion to use them. As a parent, I
>>> travel along Avy as my primary exit of the Sharon Heights neighborhood, so
>>> I do have some interest in this improvement. I think this re-design along
>>> Avy will go a long way towards gaining not just additional parking for the
>>> school, improve travel and safety and gain neighborhood support for school
>>> expansion.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Sincerely,
>>>
>>> Shirley Chiu
>>>
>>> Crest Lane, Sharon Heights
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>>
>>
>> *Jenn Bohnen (She/Her ℹ️ )*
>> *Head of School*
>>
>> *Phillips Brooks School -** Strong Students, Caring Citizens*
>> 2245 Avy Avenue • Menlo Park, CA 94025
>>
>> 650-854-4545 • jbohnen@phillipsbrooks.org
>>
>> Web • Facebook
>> • Instagram
>>
>>
>
--
*Monica Salas*
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/Board
Las Lomitas Elementary School District
1011 Altschul Avenue
Menlo Park, CA 94025
650.854.2880 ext. 4012
