Dear Menlo Park City Council,
"Prioritizing parking over people is a road to nowhere." This simple truth underscores my support for maintaining the partial closure of Santa Cruz Avenue to cars until a more holistic and community-driven approach to downtown revitalization is developed. Rushing to reopen the street without considering all options would be a disservice to our residents and a step backward for our city.
Menlo Parks own Transportation Master Plan (TMP) provides a clear roadmap for our future. It states, "A complete streets approach considers the needs of all transportation users… with an emphasis on providing more opportunities for residents to walk, bike or take transit." This isnt just a suggestion; its a directive. Santa Cruz Avenue presents a prime opportunity to put these words into action.
Reopening the street to cars prematurely would contradict the very principles outlined in our TMP. It would prioritize vehicular traffic over the safety and comfort of pedestrians, cyclists, and those who rely on public transportation. It would reinforce a car-centric model of development that we, as a city, have pledged to move away from.
Instead, lets seize this moment to create a truly vibrant and people-centered downtown. Lets engage the community in a meaningful dialogue about the future of Santa Cruz Avenue. Lets explore options such as expanded pedestrian zones, dedicated bike lanes, improved public transit access, and streetscape enhancements that prioritize human-scale activity.
I urge the council to resist the pressure to revert to the status quo. Lets honor the vision outlined in our TMP and create a downtown that is not just accessible, but truly enjoyable for everyone. Lets choose people over parking.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ken Kershner
Active Transportation Advocate, Menlo Park
