Dear City Council,
I am writing in support of the zoning changes on tonights Agenda that are aimed at increasing downtown vibrancy and foot traffic.
I grew up in the area, attended Laurel and Encinal Schools, and have made Menlo Park my home for 25 years. We have loved raising our children here. But honestly, Menlos Parks (strong) appeal has always been in spite of its sleepy downtown. The last few years have seen an uptick in restaurant quality and entertainment options. I applaud the Council for facilitating this kind of improved quality of downtown, but there is more work to do. Eateries, bars and the Guild cant do this alone.
I agree with the proposals goals, that adjusting zoning restrictions would lead to improved vitality and support our local businesses. A thoughtfully permitted amount of office space in the rear of our existing "Main Street" storefronts would solve the issue that is that many of our local retail spaces are simply too big. And if you lessen the frontage spaces to more reasonable and attractive sizes, requiring retail in the rear/cut down portion of the space is not a winning plan. A limited amount of office space in the rear would A) Bring officer workers, thereby increasing our Santa Cruz Avenue foot traffic to the benefit of our retail community, and B) Create more "right sized" retail storefronts, attracting a new crop of pedestrian friendly business.
I also agree with the proposed expansion of retail zoning uses. Adding fitness and wellness uses would create a whole new daytime dynamic to our downtown. So would allowing financial and other business serving uses.
I realize that these sorts of new allowances can come with trade-offs and perceived risks. But to me, the bigger risk here would be to miss out on capitalizing on Menlo Parks current momentum.
Please support these zoning proposals.
Sincerely,
Tito J Bianchi
Menlo Park Resident and Business Owner
