Dear Mayor Nash and Members of the City Council,
I am writing to express my support for Habitat for Humanity Greater San Franciscos proposed eight-home affordable homeownership project at 335 Pierce Road and the request to waive the Recreation In-Lieu Fee.
As a District 1 resident since 2000, I care deeply about the future of our community and the opportunities available to families who want to build their lives here. Homeownership has provided my family with stability and the opportunity to build a better future, and I believe other hardworking families deserve that same opportunity. Over the years, I have also seen family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, first responders, and other essential workers struggle to remain in Menlo Park because homeownership has become increasingly out of reach. Supporting affordable homeownership projects like this one helps ensure that the people who contribute to our community have the opportunity to live, work, and build their future here.
For that reason, I was encouraged that, on July 11, the Menlo Park Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council approve this project. Their recommendation reflects the importance of creating affordable homeownership opportunities that allow families to put down roots, build equity, and contribute to the long-term strength of our community.
I also encourage the City Council to approve the requested waiver of the Recreation In-Lieu Fee. The requested waiver pertains only to the Recreation In-Lieu Fee and does not involve fees needed to reimburse the City for direct project administration and services. Given the substantial benefit the waiver would provide to the projects financial feasibility, approving it would be a meaningful investment in a project that will create eight permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for local families.
As you consider this item, I hope you will view it not only as a housing project, but as an investment in the people who make our community stronger. Habitat for Humanity has a proven history of helping hardworking families achieve the dream of homeownership, and this project is an opportunity to make that dream possible for eight more families in Menlo Park.
Thank you for your time, your service, and your thoughtful consideration. I respectfully ask for your support of Habitat for Humanity Greater San Franciscos 335 Pierce Road affordable homeownership project and the requested Recreation In-Lieu Fee waiver. I look forward to attending the August 11 City Council meeting and appreciate your consideration of this important opportunity for our community.
Sincerely,
Eduardo L. Hernandez
District 1 Resident for 26 years and counting
