I have been a resident of Menlo Park for 35 years. I love our small town but also am a pragmatist and understand need for development and affordability. The Downtown Parking Lot Conversion project is appears hasty and has been poorly communicated with a lack of community discussion.
Concerns are as very well laid out by other letter writers:
changing up what makes Menlo Park special
traffic
parking
impact on local businesses
building along public transit corridors
impact on quality of life for all concerned, even new move ins to the project
I can add a few other thoughts:
Our kids are riding their bikes!! Much to many folks chagrin, but it is glorious and very healthy for their independence and promoting self confidence. Providing places that kids can congregate after school with some freedom is important. Im concerned that the increased traffic and building without forethought will take these freedoms away from our children. These are important considerations for their health and growth.
The community all walks to downtown. Increasing congestion and traffic are deterrents. Whos to say what affecting the businesses will or wont do to this aspect of our lives. Downtown is a gathering spot, this should be nurtured not undermined.
How a development is implemented, affecting access in general, parks, walkability are all determinants of health. Urban Planners are aware of this!
Also, whos to say that a developer will build a project with >450 low income units. Developers will build when they can recoup costs and make a profit. Most likely not feasible. The zoning should not be changed without showing that such a development would seriously be considered by developers.
Please take a step back. More traffic studies, better Urban Planning, more community input. We are not just in this for ourselves. There is opportunity to have more forethought and develop with intent for the whole community.
Susan Benedick, MD
