To the City Council,
As long time residents of Menlo Park, we want to inform you of our support to keep parts of Santa Cruz Avenue closed to allow for outdoor dining/future use.
I visit downtown Menlo Park daily, usually for dining but also to shop at Walgreens, Bow Wow Meow and Ace. Parking is not an issue -- and quiet frankly anyone who complains about such isn't really being honest and probably aren't really visiting the downtown area.
In the past year we have been fortunate enough to have some outstanding outdoor dining. Many of the restaurants have invested considerable amount of dollars to create some really nice outdoor areas. A vote against outdoor dining is really a vote against the restaurants and merchants. Most cities in the area are keeping their street closures -- was just up in San Mateo today and they have closed many streets.
If this City Council does not allow street closures they are forcing Menlo Park residents to visit other towns -- read: spend money in other cities.
While I find the entire district voting a big part of the problem with downtown vibrancy, I strong ask each Council member to support their downtown area and follow the desire of the residents.
Thank you,
Valerie
Valerie Ambwani
valambwani@yahoo.com
