Menlo Park City Council Members:
Menlo Park talks about meeting the problem of global warming/climate change, but it seems to me they keep adding to the problem - and others, by their constant large development projects. El Canino Real has three or four large complexes, either just finished or in the process. Now the city wants to build eight story buildings on Independence Drive and Jefferson Drive. ("Several Development Proposals in North Menlo Park Now Open for Public Input" by Kate Bradshaw in the 12/25/20 issue of "The Almanac").
Office and residential spaces should be built so they can receive and utilize the most amount of sun for light, heat and energy. This includes the size and types of trees that may be planted on the property. Should the power go out, people can still function reasonably comfortable - even after the sun goes down. It is time to become less dependent on electronic and mechanical means to meet our daily needs and comfort.
How much pollution results front the manufacturing and production of solar panels and back up batteries? What happens to the components when their working life comes to an end? Do they go to hazardous waste?
PASSIVE solar should have priority over ACTIVE. This does require less tall buildings and more open space. This leads to another issue. Is it fair to cram people into tight small spaces where they are totally dependent on the functions of the structure they are living in? What about Covid 19 and other like health problems? The more people live like sardines packed into a can, the more health issues will be facing us, physically and mentally. Think about how much harder it will be for the plumber, the electrician, the communication providers, the road construction crews, sewer crews, water quality people, and PG&E, to name a few, to do their work including repairs.
What if there is a weather disaster or wild fire? Will people be able to leave the area safely and harmoniously? Where is our food going to come from? With Covid 19 I have realize even more important it is for residents to be growing their own food.
There are three articles in the June issue of "POPULATION CONNECTION Magazine", I sure you would find interesting.
Destruction of Habitat and Loss of Biodiversity Are Creating the Perfect Conditions for Diseases Like Covid-19 to Emerge
Think Exotic Animals Are to Blame for the Coronavirus? Think Again.
What 11 Billion People Mean for Disease Outbreaks
Thank you for letting me share these ideas.
Jackie Leonard-Dimmick
