> Dear Council Members,
> You wisely decided to NOT waive $596,000 (possibly $944,000) in Development Impact and Permitting fees for an 8 unit affordable townhouse project.
> The same rejection is advised for the Downtown Parking Lot Apartments, because the developers are asking for either $10 Million+ in Waivers/Loans or up to $45 million in cash from the city.
> Menlo Park is in financial DEFICIT and the city "had to pinch pennies during Junes budget discussions";
> AND there is talk of plans to cut city staff:
From Nextdoor Neighbor:
8/17/2026 comments:
Re: "With San Mateo County facing a $226 million funding shortfall, I’m tired of hearing that the first solution is laying off frontline workers — the people who actually keep our communities safe" (Nextdoor commentator)
From Nextdoor:
"Menlo Park is looking at 27 layoffs, nearly 9% of its entire workforce."
Conclusion:
The Downturn Parking Lot Apartments is financially NOT Feasible.
Michael DeMoss
Resident
Attorney
Please read:
Sent from my iPhone