Dear City of Menlo Park,
I am writing as a resident of 141 Jefferson Dr., the newly built apartment complex located across from TIDE Academy. I want to bring attention to growing concerns regarding the lack of available parking options in this area, and to better understand the City’s current plans and proposed solutions.
While the building does provide a parking garage, the spaces are not designed to accommodate larger vehicles such as trucks. Additionally, there are no street parking options available for residents’ guests. The surrounding streets are occupied by businesses with private, tow-enforced lots, leaving no safe or practical alternatives for overnight or visitor parking.
Previously, there was limited parking along Commonwealth Drive, but with the construction of new townhomes, those spaces have been rezoned and the curbs painted red. The curbs, however, do not appear to be adjacent to fire hydrants or otherwise marked as fire lanes, which raises questions about the reasoning behind this change.
Given that this area now includes an apartment complex, a hotel, a public school, and several businesses—all without clear overnight parking options—it seems impractical and unsustainable not to establish designated public parking zones. I would like to understand:
1. What is the City’s long-term plan to address residential and visitor parking in this neighborhood?
2. What was the rationale for rezoning and eliminating street parking on Commonwealth Drive?
3. Why was an apartment complex of this scale approved without ensuring adequate parking accommodations?
4. What solutions, if any, does the City propose to support residents, visitors, and local businesses in this growing area?
I appreciate your attention to this matter and would be grateful for any clarification or guidance you can provide. As the neighborhood continues to expand, thoughtful planning around parking availability is critical to ensuring accessibility, safety, and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Shery Lauron
Resident, 141 Jefferson Dr.
