Dear Council Members:
I preface my email by commending you ALL for having the vision to consider this.
I am a 6-year resident of and business woman in Menlo Park. I love my city and want the best for its citizens and the city’s long-term success.
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.
This may be a "one and only opportunity" to capture this unique use for our community.
The Peninsula Arts Guild is a non-profit, backed by the "right investors," prepared to reasonably invest to make this exciting venue a reality.
Its most intense use will be off hours, generally on weekend nights, not adding to peak traffic or parking demand.
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.
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.
Thank you again for time and consideration of this most valuable project as well as your commitment to Menlo Park’s continued growth and success.
Wishing you a joyous 2018!
Kristin
-------------
Kristin Gray, MBA
Top 6% of Coldwell Banker Realtors
CalRE# 01930068
Coldwell Banker
Kristin.Gray@cbnorcal.com
650.636.6883
www.kristin-gray.com
*Wire Fraud is Real*. Before wiring any money, call the intended recipient at a number you know is valid to confirm the instructions. Additionally, please note that the sender does not have authority to bind a party to a real estate contract via written or verbal communication.
