Dear Councilmembers, During your upcoming goal-setting meeting, I strongly urge you to prioritize the development and adoption of a Climate Action Plan. I know that the Environmental Quality Commission, with the help of the Complete Streets Commission and others, are tirelessly devoting many volunteer hours to create one, figuring out how we can do the best we possibly can in Menlo Park. Please also consider increasing the allowable housing density in the downtown plan so that the city gains much-needed housing near public transit without the burden of additional traffic. Right now, we're playing catch-up in our urban planning in order to adapt to our new reality. For a dose of inspiration, have a look at Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo's plan for a "Fifteen-Minute City," in which people can access everything they need quickly and conveniently, without being forced to get into their cars: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonreid/2020/01/21/phasing-out-cars-key-to-paris-mayors-plans-for-15-minute-city https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonreid/2020/01/21/phasing-out-cars-key-to-paris-mayors-plans-for-15-minute-city/#7ea6cffa6952 > I look forward to strong leadership from City Council to help tackle the great existential threat of our times. Speaking for myself, as a 20+ year resident of Menlo Park, Lydia Lee Complete Streets Commissioner Bike Menlo Park Received on Tue Jan 28 2020 - 19:07:06 PST
