To Members of the Menlo Park City Council,
I support building new affordable homes downtown and I urge you to do the same on January 14th.
The high cost of housing in our area has profoundly impacted my life and the lives of those I know. I love this community, but I am deeply concerned that it is unsustainable for so many people who work here to be unable to afford to live here. Many downtown businesses rely on workers who commute over an hour each way. This is not only a strain on those workers but also a challenge for the vitality of our town.
Building affordable housing downtown is an essential step toward addressing the regions housing crisis. It is also an opportunity to enhance our community. Increasing housing stock can make downtown Menlo Park more vibrant and inclusive—it’s not a zero-sum game. Housing and businesses can thrive together.
We can ensure that new housing is developed thoughtfully, with adequate parking (including handicap spaces and short-term/loading parking for quick stops at businesses). We can support foot-traffic-dependent businesses like cafes and restaurants while maintaining an attractive downtown for higher-end retailers. Additionally, we can plan for affordable housing while prioritizing support for businesses during construction.
Please vote "yes" to new affordable homes downtown on January 14th.
Sincerely,
Lesley Feldman
