Dear members of the Menlo Park's Planning Commission and Menlo Park City Council,It has recently come to my attention, due to
changes in Menlo Park, Menlo Church formerly known as Menlo Park Presbyterian Church may no longer be able to support a safe, all
inclusive gathering of Middle and High School students without a permit. And you, as members of the Planning Commission and City
Council are making this decision.My family has been a member of Menlo Church for over 25 years and our daughter has grown up in
the Children's, Middle and HS ministries. We live in nearby Palo Alto and she has brought friends of all faiths to the many church
sponsored activities over the years. "The Bank" on the corner of University Street and Santa Cruz Avenue has made this all
possible. Utilizing the building and the parking lot the students can gather and safely have fun while respecting the neighbors.
The loud amplified music is held within the Bank and the students are kept within the boundaries of the Banks parking lot, not
spilling out on to the sidewalks where they could be a nuisance. The church emphasizes being a good neighbor.I hope you will act
quickly in granting a permit for the church. During these times when we want our children off of electronics and engaging with
others in a safe(adult church members are there), fun manner no matter where you live or what your religious preference is. You do
not have to be a member of the church and you don't have to pay a membership fee. The church does this for it's community at
large.I would ask you to see the children in action, but from what I gather they can not congregate without this permit. I will
tell you they are not sitting around playing video games. The students are engaging in many different ways singing, learning,
playing games, being kids, etc. They also learn to give back, having many different community service projects they can
participate in. Please do not take this valuable community resource away from our youth.
Most Sincerely,
Elizabeth Doi Ludwig
