Dear City Council:
Menlo Park is undeniably one of the priciest places to live. My family and I have been lucky enough to own a home in the Lorelei Manor neighborhood since 2004. Over the past two decades, we’ve watched as home and rental prices have skyrocketed, all while the housing stock west of 101 has barely expanded. Meanwhile, Facebook has exploded in growth, bringing a flood of jobs and office space to the Belle Haven neighborhood.
Now that our community has finally passed the Housing Element with new opportunity sites west of 101, the same old voices—neighbors and downtown business owners—are once again rallying to “Save Menlo Park.” But let’s be clear: what Menlo Park needs saving from is the mindset that prefers towering buildings at 80 Willow Road over real housing solutions. Housing is a basic human right. Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. I want to see the over 50 RV dwellers behind my home in Bohannan Park moved into actual homes with heat and running water. I want to see my local barista walking to work, and my Trader Joe’s employee spending more time with their family instead of stuck in traffic commuting.
We need a Menlo Park where our downtown thrives—not because of big corporations but because of the people who live and work here. More housing means more foot traffic, which means thriving businesses. I urge you to support the city planners and council by pushing forward with what’s possible on our downtown parking lots. More residents downtown mean a vibrant community where businesses can flourish.
Menlo Park belongs to all of us, not just the fortunate few. I strongly encourage you to approve the RFQ for the downtown parking lots. Let’s create a Menlo Park that truly reflects its entire community.
JP Garcia
