Dear Honorable Council Members and City Staff,
Belle Haven Empowered is led by long standing community leaders and youth leaders of color, bringing a multi-generational perspective. The program brings Belle Haven neighbors together to discuss important issues and participate in presentations that provide information and answer more specific questions about city government activities that directly impact the neighborhood. This includes the history of decisions and policies and how they affect us today. Our tagline is demystifying city government
During our last meeting on June 13, 2024, we met with 55 Menlo Park residents, 40 of which reside in the Belle Haven neighborhood. We discussed the Environmental Justice Element process and the latest draft. Attached to this email are 16 public comments. Based on the comments here is a summary list of request our group has:
* Farmers market, grocery store, affordable food
* Better air quality and more trees
* Housing that is affordable for current residents
* Medical center and pharmacy
* Bank
* Retail services
* Job opportunities
* Affordable housing that current residents can use
* More street safety
* Intersection safety
* Traffic Control on weekdays
* Cleaner streets
* More help for low-income people
* More activities for children
* More Public Transportation stops
* Projects for Belle Haven should come from our taxes
* Accountability, do what you say you are going to do or at least tell us why the city can’t do it.
* We need to see real change
It is important to consider the expense and additional vehicle miles traveled when people have to go out of their neighborhood for services. In addition, the 10 plus years Belle Haven community members have been asking for basic services. As you advise Staff on revisions, we encourage you to request strong language showcasing strong commitment, tighter timelines, and stronger anti-displacement measures. As we are doing expensive work on providing a more just and healthy environment, we need to center our focus and maintain current residents and even bring back families and members that have been displaced.
Supporting Our Community/Apoyando a nuestra comunidad,
Belle Haven Empowered/Belle Haven empoderada
Team Chat/Chat de equipo
“Your voice is the ONE that will make the difference!" /"¡Tu voz es la que marcará la diferencia!"
~ BHE
