Dear Councilmembers:
I am a 10 year resident of Menlo Park with two boys aged 11 and 14.
I recently heard about the “Save the Guild” theater proposal by the nonprofit Peninsula Arts Guild. I was very intrigued to hear
that the mission of the proposal is to not only retain the site for art films, but also add a broader range of arts and
entertainment, including musical performance. Menlo Park needs a venue like this thatattractscreative talents to the area. This is
a greatopportunityfor our city and our community.
I am asking that you make every effort to review and approve this project.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 its review. I have heard about the city taking years to approve
projects. Given the merits of this one, I would hate to see this project lost to another city.
The Peninsula Arts Guild is a nonprofit, backed by the "right investors," prepared to reasonably invest to make this exciting
venue a reality.An entertainment use could be the catalyst for invigorating the downtown, which has languished for years.Local
people will spend their money locally, not only at the Guild, but at surrounding restaurants and retail venues.
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.
I hope you will take this opportunity seriously.
Sincerely,
Keith Nilsson▒▒▒▒ ▒▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒Menlo Park
