On Thu, Oct 15, 2026 at 2:46 PM Cal-Interiors
wrote:
> Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
>
> Of all the constraints facing development on Parking Plazas 1, 2 and 3,
> one of my greatest concerns is the possibility of subsurface
> contamination—and what disturbing that ground could mean for the people who
> live, work, and dine nearby.
>
> The surrounding business history deserves a thorough investigation. The
> downtown area has supported a wide range of commercial activities and
> vehicle use over many decades. That history raises reasonable questions
> about potential subsurface conditions that should be thoroughly evaluated
> before major excavation begins.
>
> These uses do not establish that the lots are contaminated. They do,
> however, raise reasonable questions that deserve answers before the City
> makes further commitments. EPA guidance identifies dry cleaners and auto
> repair shops as property uses that can warrant investigation for subsurface
> contamination and vapor intrusion.
>
> I ask that qualified environmental professionals determine the appropriate
> testing for petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and chemical solvents,
> including PCE and TCE, and evaluate whether historical records warrant
> testing for carbon tetrachloride or photographic processing chemicals.
> These should be investigated as potential contaminants, rather than assumed
> to be present or dismissed without evidence.
>
> My concern extends beyond what may be underground today. If contaminated
> soil is present, excavation and soil handling could create pathways for
> exposure through airborne dust or chemical vapors unless properly
> controlled. EPA guidance specifically addresses air monitoring, covering
> contaminated soil, and preventing contaminated material from being carried
> into surrounding streets. What would those protections look like in the
> middle of an active downtown, immediately beside restaurants, outdoor
> dining, businesses, and homes?
>
> Restaurant customers, employees, nearby residents, and construction
> workers deserve a clear, publicly available explanation of the potential
> risks and the safeguards that would protect them. Future residents deserve
> the same assurance, including an evaluation of whether vapors could migrate
> into buildings.
>
Also there is a distinct possibility of asbestos and lead in the WATER
and sewer mains leeching into the soil for decades. This is very concerning
and the city as the owners would be financially responsible for the clean
up which could cost
In the tens of millions.
> The Council also needs a realistic understanding of the timeline.
> Depending on what investigations uncover, repeated sampling, cleanup, and
> monitoring could extend over years. That is a possibility to evaluate
> honestly, rather than a schedule anyone can establish before the extent of
> any contamination is understood. Who would pay for additional testing,
> remediation, disposal, monitoring, and unexpected discoveries? How would
> prolonged work affect surrounding businesses and residents?
>
> Before advancing these sites further, please release existing
> environmental reports, identify gaps in the investigations, and obtain an
> independent assessment of the potential cleanup costs, exposure controls,
> and schedule. Any uncertainty should be clearly reflected in the financial
> and construction assumptions presented to the public.
>
> Most importantly, I urge you to actively pursue another location with
> fewer environmental concerns and a better documented site history. Every
> alternative requires appropriate due diligence, but the City should compare
> those alternatives before committing downtown to a potentially lengthy and
> disruptive investigation and cleanup process.
>
> Providing housing is an important responsibility. So is protecting the
> people and businesses already here, along with those who may someday call
> these properties home. Please pause, fully investigate these concerns, and
> give serious consideration to a location that offers a clearer and more
> predictable path forward.
>
Do not pass these financial burdens and health risks onto the
taxpayers and
Residents.
Pause, Pivot, and Proceed to another location.
Vote YES ON P!!!
Sincerely,
> Mary Seaton
>
Menlo Park Tax Payer
Former Menlo park business Owner
>
>
> Cal-Interiors
> 1300 El Camino Real, Belmont Ca 94002
> 650-477-7790
> cal-interiors.com
>
>
