Hello City Council Members,
Thank you for your service.
I am very opposed to the tentative plan to replace our current limited downtown parking lots with housing tower(s). As a senior who has lived in MP for decades, I already find it challenging to find ANY parking when I drive downtown to do errands, attend doctor’s appointments, or enjoy our restaurants with other aging friends. Due to chronic health problems, I would not be able to continue with any of these activities if you decide to take away these “conveniences” from us.
The 2023 Menlo Park age demographics indicate that 64% of the community is under the age of 50. And, 35% are MP citizens aged 50 and older. This housing plan would have a significantly negative impact on a large number of our community by compromising their use of all downtown health care offices, stores, shops, food markets, restaurants, and other services. Our downtown is already like a ghost town after 8:00 pm.
How frequently do you drive through these parking lots? They are completely FULL throughout the day. We Seniors typically use the back door entrances to these buildings on Santa Cruz. Where do you propose these cars go that are located within in a very brief walk to these places?
In my opinion, this plan would put the final nail in the coffin of our downtown area.
Respectfully,
Dr. Pamela Kaiser
Dr. Pamela Kaiser
Former Associate Clinical Professor, UCSF Medical School, Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics
Former Director: Anxiety, Stress, & Health Clinic—Children’s Health Council (Palo Alto)
350 Sharon Park Drive, #T23
Menlo Park, CA 94025
www.pamelakaiserphd.com
