Dear Thomas James, Menlo Park Building and Permit and Menlo Park City Council,
I have lived in Menlo Park for 24 years and have been part of 3 neighborhoods; the apartments in downtown, un-incorporated in West Menlo and the last 10 years at 1185 Rosefield Way. I am writing on behalf of the single story home dwellers in Menlo Park.
We had a charming town with mostly single story ranches and a couple modest two stories every block or so. The two stories that were built back then did not fill the lot to the max horizontally or vertically. During the last 15 years plus, architects and builders are coming to town to maximize square footage with no care for the neighborhood feel. Currently there are 3 Thomas James Homes going in within ear shot of my front door, with 3 other rebuilds as well in the neighborhood. These homes are GIANTS. I understand neighborhoods change, but maybe not for the better.
We do not need more 2 stories with maximized square footage, small yards, minimal solar, 2 air conditioning units and “ADU" footage that will never be used for affordable housing.
A Thomas James Home is going up behind me at 1140 Cotton St. It has high ceilings on both floors. The beautiful trees on Cotton we have looked at for the past 10 years will be blocked by the house. No one from Thomas James came to discuss with us on what architecture would work best for the neighbors. The City sent out a notice for a deconstruction permit, but no notice for the plans or opportunity for discussion. The house being built has an ADU and 2nd story windows that tower over my backyard. I don’t plan on closing my backyard bedroom blinds every time I get dressed.
Architects and builders are given permission to build whatever they want within the city and state guidelines, but it is not right to ruin neighbors’ lives. What guidance are builders given to work with the neighbors? What guidance are they given for landscaping? Currently there is a row of tall vegetation, it cannot be taken out for relandscaping purposes. It’s the only thing saving our view. My husband and I will definitely be paying more attention to who runs for city council and their view point on building practices. We need a solution quickly for privacy landscaping. These plants need to be planted and nurtured as soon as possible to ensure privacy. Thomas James is ruining our forever home that we built.
Please reach out to me with solutions as soon as possible. Thank you. Nora
Nora Singer
1185 Rosefield Way
Menlo Park CA 94025
650-854-3211
