I live in the Willows neighborhood close enough to walk to the Willows
Market. Ive read extensively about the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd.
It seems very out of line with Menlo Park to have a 39 story building at
the corner of Middlefield Rd and Willow. In fact it makes no sense at all.
I understand the laws that apply and the builders remedy issues, but I
also understand the need for deliberate review and environmental impact.
In fact, if ever a project merited environmental impact review, this is it.
Its right next to an important watershed creek with endangered Steelhead
trout. San Francisquito Creek supports one of the last remaining wild,
self-sustaining anadromous (ocean-going) steelhead populations in San
Francisco Bay. These fish are federally protected and they are coming back
to the creek even more now that the new 101 bridge was widened.
The other main issue to me is the increased traffic on our already busy
streets. An environmental impact review should look closely at the traffic
impact and and make an honest assessment on traffic and access for
emergency vehicles.
In short, I think this building project is a terrible idea, and Im asking
you to fight hard against it and be creative in representing the interests
of your constituents in the face of pressure from these developers.
Best,
Bob Pellican
Willows resident
