Hi Betsy,
Thank you for your prompt reply on Thursday evening and I apologize for the
delay in my followup.
It is evident that you are concerned about the safety on Middle Avenue and
specifically the Arbor/Middle intersection and I appreciate that. But I
have reservations on how much of a priority there is to complete it in a
timely manner.
I appreciate you sending the link to the Middle Avenue Complete Streets web
page. And I would like to address some items that I found both there and
linked pages.
Full disclosure. I retired after 35 years as a Project Manager in a number
of different industries. Project scopes, timelines, budgets, road blocks
are all in my DNA.
On the Middle Avenue Complete Streets webpage, it is written:
*Project status*
Construction updates
On April 29, the City Council awarded the Projects construction contract
to Rapid Grading Services. Construction is tentatively scheduled from June
to August 2025 to coincide with summer break at Oak Knoll Elementary and
Hillview Middle Schools. City staff will also periodically update this
website to inform stakeholders of changes in scope, schedule, or other
project milestones.
The text says the tentative schedule is from June - August. And following
that, City staff will periodically update this website to inform
stakeholders of changes in scope, schedule... *If there are no updates to
the website, then it should be safe to think that the tentative schedule
has not changed. And, here we are, now at the beginning of September and
large portions of the work are not complete.*
Reading the Construction News Updates found here:
https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fmenlopark.gov%2fGovernment%2fDepartments%2fPublic-Works%2fEngineering-Division%2fConstruction-news&c=E,1,C-1wco4M9AsBsf7Y9ykfwofMVOiUpfBz0q5PaEIGcXnNOuUTQxvHTY7J6mGs7y5vQ3fCci9V9iBxREFrcjxntnRNtm4UuAJmJxwIOegDpLP8j8o_ISfyU4zN448,&typo=1
I would have to say that the status reports are severely lacking. They are
vague or neglect to include relevant information at all.
August 13 it was noted: "All work is expected to be substantially completed
by the end of August."
- Substantially is vague, as no metric is provided by which to measure
the works completeness. Is it based on a number of items on a scope that
are all equal in weight or are some scope items more involved, require more
time and resources, etc? I can knock 15 out of 20 items off a check list if
they are "low hanging fruit" and think I am substantially done with my list
but not if the other 5 items are going to take 10 times as long.
August 20: The Status column is identical to the prior week. Word for word.
- Should we think that no work was done? And if so, if this project is
so crucial why was a week of no progress allowed to occur?
August 27: In this Status Column, it notes that work that was noted to be
completed in the previous 2 weeks is now in fact starting.
- It should be completely evident to anyone that if this work is not
starting until the week of August 27, the "All work is expected to be
substantially completed by the end of August" is not going to be able to be
achieved and yet, there is no mention of a change in schedule and what the
updated dates are.
There are 2 crucial issues with these reports.
First, there is no full listing of the work to be done painting, X
illuminated speed signs, X raised crosswalks, X flashing light crosswalks
etc. AND their specific status: In process, delayed, completed, etc.
Second, in this reporting roadblocks and delays and what their causes are
is missing.
- You mentioned in your email that there was a lead time RRFBs leading
to delays. While not having materials for a project is a fundamental fail of
project management, such a crucial piece of information is important to
know for complete transparency.
- You also mention that the staff is stretched thin. That I am not as
generous around that assessment as unfortunately it is the way of the
world these days. Virtually everyone is personally and professionally
stretched thin. This is a matter of public safety. I would hate to have
to be the one that explained a serious accident with one of the factors
being that folks were "stretched thin".
Is there a complete plan/map of the Middle Ave Streets Project showing all
the changes and modifications to Middle Ave that will be undertaken. I
remember seeing one during a public presentation and I looked through all
the files on the pages you provided but could not find either that one or
the one adopted as final. If you could lead us to that it would be
appreciated.
Finally, can you provide us with, or have the staff reach out to us
directly with an updated, detailed schedule for completion?
I thank you for your time.
JH
On Thu, Aug 28, 2025 at 8:51 PM Nash, Betsy wrote:
> Hi John,
>
>
>
> That experience sounds terrifying; and I’m deeply relieved that you and
> your dogs are safe. Your experience underscores exactly why this
> intersection needs urgent attention. I wish the RRFBs did not have a lead
> time delaying the installation. I wish the grey-haired driver slowed down
> at the park where he should expect pedestrians, and we should all stick to
> the speed limits.
>
>
>
> I also agree that the implementation of the Middle Avenue Complete
> Streets project
>
> has taken too long. I understand that city staff is stretched thin across
> many safety and infrastructure projects – a real challenge that is
> continuing. I also know that staff is pushing hard to get this finished
> quickly and well.
>
>
>
> I will speak to the Chief to ask that MPPD increase enforcement on Middle
> and other school routes during school travel times.
>
>
>
> I hear your voice.
>
>
>
> Betsy
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> * Betsy Nash **(she/her)*
> Vice Mayor
> City Hall - 2nd Floor
> 701 Laurel St.
> tel 650-380-3986
> https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fmenlopark.gov&c=E,1,FY4GLHqaVR0XmJezYgMmsn1UotswOsasQACp-vtVt9H4hGS_CCtEG7X-OuQYLNR28oPHCiyuY02WHGFQOt1wOYpIqSFOR2aztnRitI8t1izQxFNAjVihoyU,&typo=1
> See https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.pronouns.org&c=E,1,UbikN5Gov1JUp_jrp5a7Kn3wg6xGNCsPzotjbGXjSxrszDd3CvPc5bWLzmPXZdHzXLsMmuYZv2p7YFiFNxMGgW1HqUPJMPexWB6wgYNoXEgdpzJg0hFKhEP5NcWS&typo=1 to learn more about why I share my pronouns.
>
>
>
> *From: *John Hamilton
> *Date: *Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 12:28 PM
> *To: *Martin Patterson
> *Cc: *Nash, Betsy , “Mel” van Londen Melchert <
> melvanlonden@gmail.com>, _CCIN
> *Subject: *Re: Safety lights at Middle/Arbor crosswalk?
>
> I apologize in advance for the length of this email.
>
>
>
> Betsy,
>
>
>
> I have moved from a state of incredulity surrounding the Arbor/Middle
> crosswalk improvements to a state of anger and terror.
>
> Incredulity in the fact that a problem being identified, subsequently
> decided on appropriate action and then a complete lack of action since a
> remedy was approved (3 + years in the making)
>
>
>
> Anger and terror over a situation I encountered last night at said
> intersection that had me and/or my two dogs severely injured or killed. At
> 7:30 last night I headed back to my house on Arbor Road after walking my 2
> small dogs around Lyle Park which we do virtually every night. I was at the
> crosswalk and saw a car a substantial distance away, more than enough
> distance for the driver to stop easily to give me the right of way (to
> which I was entitled). This driver (a grey-haired man) continued to barrel
> down Middle and I realized he was not going to stop. In a split second, I
> pulled my dogs leashes so hard they became airborne. They were so
> frightened that they both yelped. I screamed at the driver and he did not
> even slow down or press on his brakes. I have no idea how to estimate his
> speed but suffice to say I know that severe injuries, possibly even fatal
> injuries would have occurred.
>
>
>
> I came home after this walk visibly angry and shaken. I said to Martin
> Patterson (my husband) that if I was ever killed in that crosswalk, I
> wanted you, Betsy, to come to whatever memorial service there was to
> explain to my friends, and most specifically my neighbors from Allied Arts,
> that a lack of urgency on behalf of the City of Menlo Park caused my death.
> And explain why the city did not play a role in ensuring my safety.
>
>
>
> I walked the same route this morning at 8:00 AM and the intersection was
> an understandable mayhem. Students on bikes riding to school. Parents on
> bikes accompanying them, many with occupied infant seats on their bikes, no
> less than 4 pedestrians including me, a woman with a wide stroller with 2
> children, cars going in 2 directions on Middle, and a construction worker
> related to the road works on Middle Ave. placing an orange
> warning/directional sign. All there at a significant moment of time. Some
> following the rules of the road, some not. All I could think of was here is
> a cauldron of disaster brewing.
>
>
>
> I am also VERY angry at the flagrant disregard and misuse of my tax money
> of which you are an elected steward. For a number of weeks, there has been
> road work on Middle Avenue. Paving. Curbs cut and reformed to accommodate
> textured ramps. Updated paint and markings. All very laudable and much
> needed work. But I wonder. If all of these updates were taken to Middle
> Avenue, why were the updates to Arbor/Middle intersection taken at the same
> time? That would be an efficient use of city time and money. This lack of
> efficiency is a blatant waste and the City is responsible for it.
>
>
>
> But according to your last email, the Middle/Arbor crosswalk is slated for
> October. (Forgive my incredulity again but I do not believe this for a
> minute.) So if this work is slated for October, does that not mean that
> some of the work currently in process (and completed) is going to be
> affected? So we are paying twice for this section of the work. We pay with
> our time since it is an inconvenience to those of us that live here and we
> pay with our money to pay contractors again.
>
>
>
> It is no secret that Menlo Park places the safety of bicyclists above
> pedestrians in this city. If not, then why were all of the bicycle
> initiatives on Middle Ave undertaken with no sense of consideration for
> fast tracking pedestrian safety? And while I dont have definitive proof, I
> do have real-world anecdotal experience that removing the parking on Middle
> has actually decreased pedestrian safety. There is now a completely
> unobstructed roadway from University to San Mateo. Motorists do not have to
> worry about bicyclists. They do not have to worry about people parallel
> parking or pulling in or out along Middle. The new bicycle lanes have given
> them license to go on "auto pilot", increase their speed, not pay
> attention. The ones who pay for such a driving privilege? Pedestrians.
>
>
>
> I was struck this AM as I witnessed the understandable chaos on the
> corner. The City could make a tremendous amount of money by doing traffic
> enforcement at that corner. Probably in a short time, to offset the cost of
> the intersection work. If citations were given for speeding, for unsafe
> maneuvers (turning left when there is insufficient time), citations to both
> motorists and bicyclists for failure to yield the right of way to
> pedestrians in a crosswalk, etc. we would perhaps be able to bring things
> under control AND make some money as well.
>
>
>
> I have lived on Arbor Road for 15 years. At this intersection I have
> personally observed numerous fender benders. I have seen more near misses
> between cars and pedestrians than I can count. We identified a problem. We
> were told 3 years ago it would be fixed. We have a vague timeline of
> October for which I will maintain a wait and see attitude.
>
>
>
> Betsy, I at this point I dont want apologies. To say I am sorry at this
> point would be nothing more than hollow words.
>
>
>
> I want action. What I want is for this problem to be solved without delay.
> And I want a lesson to be learned by you, the City Council, and the city
> Staff. You are playing with pedestrians lives. And that should drive the
> decisions of the city to minimize how long we must wait for matters of
> public safety.
>
>
>
> Respectively,
>
> John Hamilton
>
>
>
> On Mon, Aug 18, 2025 at 5:59 PM Martin Patterson <
> martin.patterson@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Thanks Betsy, this is helpful.
>
>
>
> --martin
>
>
>
> On Aug 18, 2025, at 4:53 PM, Nash, Betsy wrote:
>
>
>
> According to staff: The RRFBs have a lead time and are scheduled to be
> installed in October. I will let you know if I hear anything.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> * Betsy Nash **(she/her)*
> Vice Mayor
> City Hall - 2nd Floor
> 701 Laurel St.
> tel 650-380-3986
> https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fmenlopark.gov&c=E,1,6OTiD5iGIXnW1mEwbpywxUDZfii3lFbSIbUsCqvD0IjphsZp-_GezH4RDat52XwLEnBOuSmHojeF01ItuwLIXnhL6edK1PmLMUG1f7F1GtO66_UwA7mcjJOHNxvS&typo=1
>
> See https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.pronouns.org&c=E,1,ypK_fl5VSCbe43V7aTdfJ3NCfuYFqlSvHDKD7lKLOPRpzA9b_LvNuIC70zw0al6DCPtUPvzZBkU7DKplosJL-qiG6Z2lCwOVn3LPc-Ei&typo=1
>
> to learn more about why I share my pronouns.
>
>
>
>
>
> *From: *Martin Patterson
> *Date: *Friday, August 15, 2025 at 4:43 AM
> *To: *Nash, Betsy
> *Cc: *John Hamilton , _CCIN <
> city.council@menlopark.gov>, “Mel” van Londen Melchert <
> melvanlonden@gmail.com>
> *Subject: *Re: Safety lights at Middle/Arbor crosswalk?
>
> Thank you for responding, Betsy.
>
>
>
> It would be very helpful to get an actual time commitment for the safety
> lights. When might we expect that? Is this due in 2025?
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
> --martin
>
>
>
> On Aug 14, 2025, at 11:40 PM, Nash, Betsy wrote:
>
>
>
> Hi Martin, John, and Mel,
>
>
>
> I agree the flashing crosswalk (aka RRFB or Rapid Flashing Beacon) on
> Middle at Arbor (Lyle Park) is much needed – it will be coming soon. The
> RRFBs are listed in the attached minutes from the 4/29/25 council meeting
> where we approved the construction contract for the Middle Avenue work.
>
>
>
> Here’s a link to information about this week’s construction activities for
> the Middle Avenue Complete Streets Project
> .
> I will ask staff if they have more specific information about the RRFB
> schedule and let you know.
>
>
>
> Best,
>
> Betsy
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> * Betsy Nash **(she/her)*
> Vice Mayor
> City Hall - 2nd Floor
> 701 Laurel St.
> tel 650-380-3986
> https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fmenlopark.gov&c=E,1,QZJSTZjWv1NFLPyDzJOqncxAyE9KyzpFGi8xVROaC7SJ3sWkEYLBNHN2wXVK3J9_SaTWEYgkB11ZKJHAaFLe0fjVXoCUjjKOmuZ4W1OSH6DC&typo=1
>
> See https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.pronouns.org&c=E,1,ryktNZWtuCK_RZxOzHTyt1mjV78vTr7k6ZZVTFoJFlcTeJ8AUT_foOf6-wgFU_PooXlEYyI2t0BfUCPhQhhWzb-IAUTpfeWwemXMQelBojRK5rUV5on8hhwL0g,,&typo=1
>
> to learn more about why I share my pronouns.
>
>
>
>
>
> *From: *Martin Patterson
> *Date: *Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 7:16 PM
> *To: *Nash, Betsy
> *Cc: *John Hamilton , _CCIN <
> city.council@menlopark.gov>, “Mel” van Londen Melchert <
> melvanlonden@gmail.com>
> *Subject: *Re: Safety lights at Middle/Arbor crosswalk?
>
> Cc: city.council@menlopark.gov due to non-response.
>
>
>
> With all due respect from my records, this item been promised since 2022
> and Middle at Arbor has just been repainted and recurbed without the safety
> lights. This further raises questions about efficient use of tax payer
> funds. Please respond to this.
>
>
>
> Thank you,
>
>
>
> --martin
>
>
>
> On Aug 14, 2025, at 6:07 PM, Melchert “Mel” van Londen <
> melvanlonden@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> Hi Betsy,
>
>
>
> I want to echo Martin’s concerns. Crossing Arbor regularly with our
> 2-month-old and 3-year-old to visit Jack Lyle Park has been challenging.
> Many drivers fail to notice pedestrians waiting to cross, and we often find
> ourselves stepping slightly into the roadway just to catch their attention.
> It’s a dangerous situation, and the addition of the promised safety lights
> would make a significant difference for families and others navigating this
> intersection.
>
>
>
> Mel
>
> *Error! Filename not specified.*
>
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 9:44 PM, Martin Patterson <
> martin.patterson@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Betsy,
>
> Would it be possible to get an update on the promised safety lights
> (flashing indicators) promised for the crosswalk on Middle at Arbor Rd. It
> was planned at the same time as the Middle Rd bike corridor but has not
> been implemented. The bike lane was rapidly built. This is an incredibly
> dangerous crosswalk and presents a real risk of injury or worse.
>
> Thanks,
> --martin
>
> <2025-0429 Middle Ave Complete Streets contract approval[44].pdf>
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> John Hamilton
>
> 415-244-3298
>
--
John Hamilton
415-244-3298
