Mayor and City Councilmembers,
As a past and potential future resident of Menlo Park, I am writing in strong support of developing affordable housing with a mix of new commercial uses and open space on downtown parking lots. I grew up in Menlo Park and visit family and friends there often, but could not afford to live there now due to the exorbitant cost of housing. Ive thought about moving back for various reasons, including the shortage of medical providers where I live now, but moving back is unthinkable since I could never afford a place to live.
Cities and towns across the state have grappled with Californias housing affordability crisis, and while many people expect free parking on City-owned lots, some cities have eliminated parking requirements for new construction, or are converting public parking lots in sleepy business districts to affordable housing. These efforts are creating more affordable housing and walkable downtowns with thriving restaurants and stores that provide for new residents needs.
The Need for Affordable Housing
The Citys 2023-31 Housing Element includes commitments to develop affordable housing on City-owned parking lots in the downtown. (Program H4.G). The State certified this Housing Element, but it could be decertified without the 345 units proposed on parking lots 1-3, with serious consequences, such as loss of grant funding, litigation, and implementation of Builders Remedies.
But more importantly, the City should honor its commitment to provide more housing for affordable housing for low- and middle-income households. From 2015 to 2023, the City produced more than ten times as much housing for above-moderate income households (1,182) as for low-income households (91). In the same period, only 22 homes in the middle-income category were built. Menlo Park nearly met its goal for very-low income households by building 217 units, keeping people housed requires far more housing in the low- and middle-income brackets.
Revitalizing Downtown
Building more housing downtown near businesses and public transit will bring more people to downtown Menlo Park, which is what it needs to thrive. When I was in high school, downtown Redwood City was far from the destination for dining and shopping that it is today. The town I live in now eliminated parking requirements within 2 blocks of its business district, and the result has been an increase in new businesses, particularly on smaller lots. The parking shortage feared by many business owners never materialized, in large part because so many people live within walking distance of their destinations and dont need to drive everywhere. This type of development is good for people and good for the planet, and I hope you will continue to embrace it as you have in the current Housing Element.
Respectfully,
Jennifer Kalt
