Dear City Councilmembers,
I believe the City Council is meeting this evening for the fifth time in closed session regarding anticipated litigation related to the proposed development at 80 Willow Rd.
I support the construction of affordable homes in Menlo Park. But the proposed 39-story skyscrapers abuse affordable home legal loopholes, adversely impact the delicate San Francsiquito Creek, and exacerbate traffic flows on the busy Middlefield/Willow corridors. Furthermore, with the inclusion of commercial and hotel space, it would actually make the jobs-to-homes imbalance in Menlo Park worse, not better.
I urge the City Council to fully explore all legal channels to resist this development. This must include appropriate preparation for potential litigation, as below.
1.
Litigation has a price tag. It is unfortunate the City is currently facing a $4 million a year structural deficit. The City Council should urgently review and potentially create fiscal headroom to support potential litigation. When will this be on the agenda?
2.
The City needs State help. Councilmembers need to secure specific and actionable support from our State representatives, not platitudes. Which Councilmember is on point to secure this help?
3.
Let’s not trip over our own shoelaces. If the City finds itself yet again out of compliance with state-mandated housing goals, this will make our legal position on 80 Willow weaker. Measure P on the ballot this November increases the risk the City finds itself out of compliance again. I commend those City Councilmembers that have taken the brave step to endorse the No on P campaign. When will the rest endorse as well?
Thanks,
Vamsi Velagapudi
Menalto Ave, Menlo Park
