Mayor Combs, Vice Mayor Nash, fellow Councilmembers, and City staff,
As a nearly 20-year resident of Menlo Park, I would like to express my full support for affordable housing on the downtown parking lots. This new housing will show the true character of Menlo Park – a city that is inclusive, equitable, and affordable for multiple levels of income. As cities adapt to the needs of their residents, change is necessary. I’m excited to see the positive results of these changes to our downtown. I was quite pleased by the responses to the RFQ and I look forward to reviewing the proposals that are submitted in response to the pending RFP. I do encourage Council and staff to include Eden Housing and PATH Ventures in the RFP process. Both responded to the RFQ in an appropriate manner and I expect both would provide the more detailed response that would be required by the RFP. PATH, in particular, offered some very compelling concepts and a unique approach to housing that I strongly feel is worthy of greater consideration by the City. Lastly, I will share that I recently visited Kiku Crossing in downtown San Mateo – it’s an attractive affordable housing project and an excellent use of land for the overall good of the community. This type of quality affordable housing will be a welcomed and much-needed new addition to our downtown here in Menlo Park.
Thank you to City Staff for your exemplary work on this effort and thank you to Council for your continued direction and leadership.
Sincerely,
John McKenna
Menlo Park, CA
(650) 776-8548
