Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
My name is Jennifer Baskin, and I am a Menlo Park resident, former Menlo
Park Parks and Recreation Commissioner and parent of three children. I am
writing in support of the proposed amendments to the El Camino Real and
Downtown Specific Plan, and in particular the addition of small-scale
commercial recreation as a permitted use in the Main Street Overlay.
Our family loves this community. We chose Menlo Park for its schools, its
neighborhoods, and its quality of life. But when it comes to our downtown,
we find ourselves driving to Redwood City, Palo Alto, or further just to
find the kinds of family-friendly destinations that should exist right
here. The nearest arcade is nearly three miles away. There is no indoor
play space within walking distance. Downtown Santa Cruz Avenue, for all its
charm, offers very little for families with children.
This is not a demand problem. Menlo Park families are here, we are engaged,
and we are ready to spend locally. The problem is that our zoning does not
allow the businesses we want to visit.
I urge the Council to vote yes on June 23. Our downtown should reflect the
community it serves — and that community includes families.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Baskin
857 College Ave
Menlo Park, CA
