My name is Shahnawaz Syed and I am a student at Sacred Heart Preparatory. Although I am a resident of Redwood City, I still write to you in hopes of solving an issue that I have seen across the Bay Area. The policy of single-family zoning dates back to 1916 in Berkeley. It has long been used to keep minorities out of white neighborhoods, particularly in California. Policies like these directly contribute to the housing shortage issues we face today. Put simply, the fact that there are so many areas in Menlo Park that could be apartment buildings but aren't due to single-family zoning directly contributes to these issues. Furthermore, a 2020 study from UC Berkeley found that "[t]he greater proportion of single-family zoning, the higher the observed level of racial residential segregation," exhibiting the modern-day segregation the practice perpetuates. When I recently saw that the council is considering changes to these policies, I was glad to see that a niche topic that isn't discussed in the public sphere is actually being considered. Essentially, I believe ending single-family zoning in Menlo Park will help the city significantly decrease homelessness and stimulate the economy as we rebuild from the pandemic. Although this message is admittedly brief, I truly hope it sways your opinion.
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Shahnawaz Syed
Sacred Heart Preparatory
Redwood City, CA
(650) 683-5855
