Dear City Council --
Menlo Park is facing a growing crisis. Pro-development forces have built such momentum that the city is reaching a tipping point.
Not unlike global warming, once this economic force is triggered, no one will be able restrain it. It will destroy the quaint and
livable city that we all love. I urge you to find a way to stop the rampant development of central Menlo Park. Before long, no
local business will be able to afford "market rents" and the city will lose its character and charm, eventually being affordable
only by international chain stores or, worse yet, businesses in need of office space. If the loss of an 80 year old, successful
institution like "The O" isn't enough to scare you all into action, what will it take?
As an alternative to stopping development, could there be a public/private partnership to help maintain affordability for locally
owned businesses? My understanding is that if the operators of Oasis burger had another $100,000 a year for the increased rents
being charged by the Beltramos, they wouldn't be out of business. What a shame!
Chip LuttonOwner, 747 Gilbert Avenue
