Dear city council members and Mayor Combs,
I’m writing to express my strong support for doing everything possible to
move forward with affordable housing in Menlo Park, including but not
limited to using the city parking lots downtown. I strongly urge you to
resist the vocal opposition and their scare tactics such as suing the city,
and I’m very concerned that the staff recommendations regarding the RFPs
will make the proposal infeasible.
I know the entire council is committed to creating more affordable housing
in our community because it aligns with your values and the wishes of the
community and is necessary to comply with the housing element. Affordable
housing, especially in walkable neighborhoods, makes our community better
for everyone by allowing our workers to live where they work thereby
strengthening the community and decreasing unnecessary commuter traffic,
reducing homelessness and housing insecurity, and contributing to a diverse
community across many different socioeconomic characteristics. I have lost
multiple neighbors over the last four years due to lack of affordable
housing in Menlo Park, and it’s been personally devastating as well as a
loss to the community.
I have been so impressed with how thoughtful city council has been
throughout this process and how committed you are to listening to community
members and to improving access to affordable housing in our community. I
am hopeful that you will continue to stand strong in your commitment to
bringing affordable housing to downtown Menlo Park, and that you will take
advantage of this wonderful opportunity we have to utilize the city parking
lots to create a more accessible, thriving community for us all.
Thank you,
Sarah Zollweg
Menlo Park Downtown District 4
