January 28, 2018.
Dear Councilmembers:
I am a 7 year resident of Menlo Park / Atherton.
I recently learned of an exciting proposal to “Save the Guild” theater, proposed by the nonprofit Peninsula Arts Guild, to not
only retain the site for art films, but also add a broader range of arts and entertainment, including musical performance.
As you know, the film exhibition business is struggling with single screen art houses being hit hardest. The loss of Menlo Park's
own Park Theater is but one example. The Guild continues to operate only on a month-to-month lease, suggesting that the Guild’s
end could come quickly.
I am asking that you make every effort to make review and approval of this project a high Council priority in the very near term.
My understanding is that Menlo Park is one of a small number of potential sites/communities for this exciting entertainment venue.
I would hate to see Menlo Park lose this "once in a lifetime” opportunity for lack of ability to timely conduct a timely review
process.
The Peninsula Arts Guild is a nonprofit, backed by the "right investors," prepared to reasonably invest to make this exciting
venue a reality. On a personal level I have been involved with the local school musical productions and between all the various
departmental bookings and school admin uses they would be delighted to have another venue on offer that could be used as a venue
for both rehearsals and performances.
Its most intense use will be off hours, generally on weekend nights, not adding to peak traffic or parking demand and the two
parking lots behind Jeffrey’s & Staples, Cafe Borrone & Keplers Books should provide ample after business hours and peak commute
parking.
An entertainment use could be the catalyst for invigorating the downtown, which has languished for years. Menlo Park needs to make
it’s downtown more vibrant and entertaining like Palo Alto.
Local people will spend their money locally, not only at the Guild, but at surrounding restaurants and retail venues.
Since we are dealing with local sponsors, you can rest assured that they will establish reasonable rules, so as to make this venue
both exciting and respectful of its neighbors
We need your help in making this unique opportunity come to fruition for its own sake and for the sake of the downtown district
and city residents.
Yours sincerely,
Julia ApplebyResident.
