Dear City Council Members,
I am a 10 year resident of Menlo Park and recently learned of the exciting proposal to “Save the Guild” by the nonprofit Peninsula
Arts Guild. I am thrilled about the concept of adding a broader range of arts and entertainment, including musical performance, to
downtown Menlo Park.
Having moved from Chicago, my husband and I desperately miss the music and cultural scene (or lack thereof) in Menlo Park and the
Peninsula in general. This leaves us traveling to San Francisco and Oakland to get variety in programming, and thus, spending very
little time in our community for nights out. I actually cannotrememberthe last time we went out in MenloParkafter 5:30pm. I think
the addition of such a multi-use entertainment facility would bring a vibrancy to downtown that is sorelylackingand couldactually
boost therestaurantscene.There needs to be an attraction or reason to visit Menlo Park. As the residents of MenloParkare keenly
aware, the addition of more furniturestores and restaurants has not done much to improve the vibrancy and culture.
I love Mr. Dunlevie's enthusiasm and vision. It is entrepreneurial folks such as Mr. Dunlevie that make the Peninsula thrive. As a
Menlo Park resident, I am asking that you consider review and approval of this project a high 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 and
I would hate to see Menlo Park lose this unique opportunity for lack of ability to conduct a timely review process.
Thank you for your consideration to make Menlo Park a destination worth visiting after 6pm!
Sincerely,
Heidi Abrams
