Dear Council Members,
As a decades-long resident of Menlo Park, I am writing to express my strong
support for the proposed construction of housing on city-owned parking lots
in our downtown area.
*Our community faces a critical housing shortage*, and this development
represents an exceptional opportunity to address multiple challenges
simultaneously. Not only do we possess the ideal land to make meaningful
progress on housing, but additional downtown residential units will bring
vitality and foot traffic to our struggling commercial district, creating
the vibrant, thriving community we all envision.
The proposed location is particularly well-suited for housing development.
Its walkability to public transportation, shops, and restaurants makes it
an ideal spot for residents to live car-light lifestyles while supporting
local businesses.
*The stakes are personal for many of us.* Young people are leaving the Bay
Area in unprecedented numbers due to the affordability crisis. As the
parent of three sons who were born and raised in Menlo Park, I face the
reality that they may struggle to remain in our community—or anywhere in
the Bay Area—without significant action on housing. This is not an
inevitable outcome; its a challenge we have the power to address.
We need substantially more housing throughout our region, but especially in
highly walkable, transit-accessible locations like downtown Menlo Park.
This project represents exactly the kind of smart growth our community
needs.
*I urge you to move forward with this plan expeditiously and to avoid
imposing additional conditions or requirements that could jeopardize the
projects feasibility.* Our housing crisis demands bold action, and this
development is a crucial step toward ensuring Menlo Park remains a
community where the next generation can afford to live.
Thank you for your consideration and leadership on this vital issue.
--
Ronen Vengosh
1023 Oakland Avenue
Menlo Park
(m) 650-533-5161
