Dear Council:
I am a resident of Portola Valley and have done virtually all of my shopping in Menlo Park for the past 41 years. I recently learned of the plans (now put on temporary hold) to build a large apartment building in what is now a large parking area bounded by Chestnut and Crane Streets. Parking in Menlo Park is already somewhat difficult, especially in this area. The shops I frequent every week or so include Menlo Laundry, Kendras Salon, Ace Hardware, Chase Bank, Migliore, Walgreens, Peets Coffee, and Draegers. There are no shops in Portola Valley that fulfill my needs and Im 84 so that walking for many blocks to get to one of my favorite shops is really out of the question. Moreover, I fear that this proposed building will essentially put many of these precious shops out of business.
I sincerely hope that you will consider my request to reconsider this plan. I am certain that many other patrons feel the same way.
Sincerely,
Lucy S Tompkins MD PhD
Portola Valley CA
