This seems out of the blue to me. I pay attention to what is happening in the city and I missed this. I would like a pause until after the vote on building on downtown parking lots. If building is permitted more residents will be looking for retail shopping. Is the retail only really the problem? That is not what has been the reasons in the past. Rents are too high, the commercial buildings are owned by generations and renting the empty stores on Santa Cruz is not a priority. The reason for empty stores needs to be explored. There are side streets that allow what the proposed changes are asking for. Retail generates revenue will the proposed changes generate revenue for the city? Residents have been voicing a lively downtown past 5:00. The new restaurants have helped to wake up downtown in the evening. If the change happens will Menlo Park close at 5:00? Who is the “bandwagon “ wanting the changes? This needs more discussion and transparency. Have residents been included with mailed information?
