Dear Council Members,
While I am aware that there is opposition to the plans you are exploring to convert some parking lot space to housing, with significant numbers of affordable homes, I want you to know that I am strongly supportive of your pursuing these plans.
Recognizing that there will likely be short-term pain for business owners during the construction period, the end result will likely be a much more vibrant downtown in our city, which I will find very desirable. And, regarding the short-term pain, I recognize that the COVID pandemic resulted in a great deal of short-term pain to business owners, yet many businesses found a way to endure.
It is particularly important to me that there be more affordable housing in our community, which is in such short supply. This housing is needed by teachers and an array of service providers who enable the quality of life that so many of our affluent and highly affluent residents enjoy. In addition, we have a shortage of affordable housing for teachers and for young adults. We are at risk of a hollowed out community, which I will find undesirable.
Please continue your exploration of the various housing proposals and do not be daunted by the threat of lawsuit or the ballot measure being proposed.
I also want to recognize that you are all providing a great service to this community by taking ultimate responsibility for decision making of such a contentious issue. Regardless of your eventual votes I am grateful for your service to Menlo Park.
Mitch Slomiak
30+-year resident
The Willows neighborhood
