Dear Members of the Menlo Park City Council,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Phil EuBank, and I am the pastor of Menlo Church, a long-standing faith community in the heart of Menlo Park with a significant physical presence adjacent to the proposed redevelopment of plazas 1-3. I am writing to express my deep concern about the fast-tracked nature of this proposal and its potential impact on our city’s families, businesses, and overall quality of life.
As a church, we are deeply invested in the well-being of this community, not only spiritually but also practically, as a neighbor and partner to the businesses and families we serve. While I understand the need for addressing housing challenges, I believe this proposal, as it stands, raises serious concerns:
1. Safety for Our Children: With schools and neighborhoods nearby, reducing accessibility and increasing traffic congestion could make it unsafe for children walking or biking to school. As a church that regularly engages with local families, I know this is a top priority for many in our community.
2. Harm to Small Businesses: Many local business owners, including members of our church, depend on accessible parking and steady foot traffic. This proposal risks undermining the very businesses that make Menlo Park unique and vibrant, putting livelihoods and cherished community services at risk.
3. Lack of Community Input: Menlo Park’s strength has always been in its collaboration and thoughtfulness. Significant decisions, like the Downtown/El Camino Plan, benefitted from extensive public dialogue and workshops. Fast-tracking this decision without similar community engagement undermines the trust and partnership that have long characterized our city’s decision-making.
4. Challenges with Logistics: From parking to traffic flow, this plan introduces substantial practical hurdles that could negatively affect not just downtown visitors but also residents, workers, and families. Past assessments indicated Plaza 3 was the only viable location for a parking structure, making its removal without a feasible alternative particularly concerning.
I respectfully urge you to delay any decisions on this proposal to allow for greater transparency, community input, and thoughtful planning. As someone deeply committed to this community, I believe we can work together to find a solution that balances housing needs with the safety, economic vitality, and overall well-being of Menlo Park.
Thank you for your leadership and for your commitment to serving our city. I am praying for discernment and collaboration as we work toward a brighter future together.
Grace and peace,
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Phil EuBank
Lead Pastor | Menlo Church
Office Days: Sunday - Thursday
650•323•8600
1111 University Drive / Menlo Park, CA 94025
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