Dear Mayor Betsy and Councilmembers,
My name is Eduardo L. Hernandez, and I am a resident of the Belle Haven District, where I have lived for 26 years.
I am submitting this comment regarding Item H3, Senate Bill 79 and the proposed zoning changes near the Menlo Park Caltrain Station.
I support expanding housing near transit and recognize that SB 79 is intended to help address California’s housing shortage by enabling more homes near major transit hubs. However, I am concerned about the proposed exemptions that would exclude eligible sites within a quarter mile of the Caltrain Station from the law’s application.
If the City of Menlo Park truly believes in meeting its Climate Action Plan goals, it should demonstrate that commitment by supporting, not exempting, higher-density housing near transit. Transit-oriented development is one of the most effective ways to reduce vehicle miles traveled, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create more sustainable and equitable growth patterns. There is no reason to delay or weaken these opportunities when the need for housing and climate action is urgent.
At the same time, implementation must ensure that growth does not come at the expense of long-time residents or deepen existing inequities, especially in communities like Belle Haven that have historically borne disproportionate environmental and economic burdens.
As Bob Marley’s message in “War” reminds us, until there is true commitment to justice and equality, the dream of lasting peace, world citizenship, and international morality will remain an aspiration pursued but never fully achieved. In that same spirit, climate goals and housing equity cannot remain ideals on paper. They must be reflected in action and policy decisions today.
I urge the Council to reject unnecessary exemptions and align local policy with both state housing goals and the City’s stated climate commitments.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Eduardo L. Hernandez
Belle Haven Resident for 26 years
