Dear Councilmembers,
Im writing to oppose adoption of the ordinance and zoning map amendment
that would temporarily exempt eligible sites from the density standards set
under SB 79.
Instead, I urge you to take No Action (Option 4) and allow the default
development standards established by SB 79 to take effect on July 1, 2026,
for all TOD sites.
Displacement rates in our county have risen dramatically every year since
2020. Too many workers and families and folks on fixed incomes in our
community are being forced out due to rising costs and the shortage of
housing options.
A key piece of our 2023-2031 housing element is to implement an
anti-displacement strategy, and one of the four Pillars of our
anti-displacement strategy is *Produce More Housing*.
SB 79s standards *create the opportunity to produce more housing in a
resource- and transit-rich area! *Why wouldnt we embrace this opportunity?
And SB 79 supports downtown vibrancy by bringing more residents to shop and
dine downtown.
I urge you to reject the proposed ordinance. Allow SB 79 standards to take
effect on July 1, 2026.
Regards,
Katherine Dumont
Menlo Park Resident, D3
