Dear Members of the Menlo Park City Council,
I am writing to urge the City of Menlo Park to contribute $600,000 from the city’s Below Market Housing Fund towards the development of 87 affordable homes for teachers and school staff at 320 Sheridan Road. This project represents a vital investment in our community, as it will provide affordable housing to low, very low, and extremely low-income households, with first priority given to teachers and staff of the Ravenswood City School District.
As a public school teacher with over 30 years of service to local communities, I have witnessed firsthand the growing challenges faced by my colleagues in finding affordable housing. While I am fortunate to own a home, I know that both renting and purchasing a home in Menlo Park are entirely out of reach for many educators. This has forced many of my colleagues to endure long commutes, two of my colleagues commute from Walnut Creek to Palo Alto daily, sacrificing their time, well-being, and connection to the community they serve.
The Sheridan Road project is a meaningful step towards addressing the housing crisis that affects not only teachers but also the broader community. Supporting this initiative would send a strong message that Menlo Park values its educators and recognizes the critical role they play in shaping our future.
By contributing $600,000 to this project, the city will help make these homes a reality, allowing teachers and staff to live closer to their schools and foster deeper ties to the neighborhoods where they work. This investment is not only an act of compassion but also a strategic decision to strengthen the fabric of our community.
Thank you for considering this request. I strongly encourage you to support the Sheridan Road project and demonstrate Menlo Park’s commitment to ensuring housing opportunities for those who dedicate their lives to serving our children and families.
Sincerely,
Margarita L. Méndez
Lorelei Lane, Menlo Park
So sorry for multiple attempts to send had incorrect email address saved
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Margarita Mendez
