Dear Councilmembers and Staff,
In reviewing staff options for reopening Santa Cruz Ave to vehicle traffic,
I strongly favor Option 1, which preserves--and enhances--the use of this
space as a small urban oasis. It is a solution that is consistent with the
spirit of the El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan in that it provides a
balanced consideration of traffic circulation, public space, and parking.
It restores traffic circulation along the Santa Cruz corridor without
sacrificing a well-used gathering space that provides more public benefit
than a handful of parking spaces ever will.
The current picnic table area provides a pleasant and welcoming location
for folks to gather and socialize. Over the last few years, it has become a
destination for teenagers on their bikes and scooters, families enjoying
their ice cream cones, and old friends meeting over coffee.
In other words, folks are enjoying it as a small, urban park. Theres
nothing like it anywhere on Santa Cruz Ave, and it will be even more
welcoming and useful once it is made ADA-compliant!
Please also consider doubling the amount of bike parking. The nearest bike
parking is blocks away, in front of the former La Boulangerie. Keeping in
mind our longer-term goals for traffic demand management and a cleaner
environment, lets encourage folks to walk and ride their bikes by
providing a pleasant, walkable downtown--beginning with this urban oasis!
Thank you,
Katherine Dumont
Menlo Park resident
