Hello City Council Members,
I am writing to voice my concern about the following important issues:
1. Downtown Revitalization Progress:
In March, the council made revitalizing Downtown a priority. Please provide an update on the steps taken so far, including details about staffing and the scope of work completed to date.
1. Economic Development Director Vacancy:
Menlo Park has gone over six years without a full-time economic development director. With retail vacancies now exceeding 40% and a lawsuit filed by retail businesses and landlords, this feels like an unprecedented low point in my 28-year residency. The economic development director plays a vital role in collaborating with businesses and landlords to develop retail strategies and address concerns. Had this position been filled, we might have avoided reaching this stage.
1. City Job Vacancies:
The city continues to face a high number of job vacancies, which has been the norm for several years. Council members have cited challenges/ excuses such as union issues, low pay, and lengthy hiring processes. However, it is the council’s responsibility to ensure the city is adequately staffed. Staff shortages have clearly impacted decision-making, as seen when the council declined to explore additional housing locations, even with as petition signed by hundreds of people, due to concerns about overburdening staff. More proactive investigation might have prevented recent legal challenges.
1. Updating the Retail Use Clause:
I urge the council to act now to broaden the Use Clause, aligning Menlo Park with other cities that have done so to address retail vacancies. Retail brokers believe that allowing uses such as gyms and fitness centers on Santa Cruz Avenue would quickly fill vacancies and attract more visitors downtown, benefiting the entire community.
Thank You for considering these requests and for your service to Menlo Park!
Marnie
Marnie Foody
marniefoody@gmail.com
650 793 0645
