Dear Council Members; I am writing to you as an eleven year resident of Menlo Park as an adult, and a 22 year resident while growing up. I recently found out about the Peninsula Arts Guild's “Save the Guild” theater proposal. The proposal is designed to not only retain the site for art films, but also add a broader range of arts and entertainment, including musical performance. Menlo Park already experienced the loss of the Park Theater, and is but one example of a general trend across the industry. I believe we have a great opportunity to salve the Guild, but need to act quickly as the Guild operates on a month-to-month lease. I am asking that you put this review on a high priority for the Council, and approve it in the very near term. My understanding is that Menlo Park is one of a small number of potential sites/communities for this exciting entertainment venue. I would hate to see Menlo Park lose this "once in a lifetime” opportunity for lack of ability to timely conduct a timely review process. The Peninsula Arts Guild is a nonprofit, fully backed by investors who are prepared to reasonably invest to make this exciting venue a reality. The venue would be used during "off hours", will bring much needed foot traffic to the area, and would be a source of community enrichment. Downtown can use all the help it can get. I trust that because we are dealing with local sponsors, we can rest assured that they will establish reasonable rules, so the venue will be both exciting and respectful of its neighbors. I appreciate your help in making this opportunity a reality. Sincerely, Bob Barnes Received on Sun Jan 28 2018 - 14:07:09 PST
