Dear Members of the Council,
As a Menlo Park homeowner and supporter of our downtown district, I wanted
to share a few questions and concerns regarding the possible decision to
allocate $169,000 for a consultant study. While I fully understand and
respect that it is within the Council’s right to engage an independent
consultant to provide objective information about the potential impacts of
the ballot initiative on city operations, finances, and services. I would
like to express some concern regarding the allocation of taxpayer money to
this consultant, as the necessity of this spending is not entirely clear. I
believe it is important for the community to have clarity about how this
process will be conducted.
Specifically, I hope the Council can share more information about the
consultant’s methodology and scope of work. Will the study include an
environmental impact report, parking analysis, or fiscal impact assessment?
Additionally, will the public have access to the consultant’s framework and
assurances that the report will present a balanced and objective
evaluation? Transparency in these matters would go a long way toward
building trust and confidence among residents and local businesses.
I would also encourage that any studies—particularly those related to
parking and traffic—be conducted on days and times that accurately reflect
typical conditions in our downtown area. This will ensure that the findings
present an honest and realistic picture of congestion and parking
availability.
Above all, my greatest concern is that the voices of community members and
local retailers are genuinely heard and considered throughout this process.
Providing clarity, transparency, and balance will give both residents and
business owners peace of mind that their city leaders value their input and
are committed to preserving the character and vitality of our downtown.
Our community takes pride in its close-knit nature and vibrant local
economy. I urge the Council to continue prioritizing the retention of
parking spaces, supporting the revitalization of downtown, and addressing
existing vacancies. By doing so, we can foster an environment where
retailers feel confident signing long-term leases and where our city’s core
continues to thrive.
Thank you for your time, your dedication, and your commitment to thoughtful
governance. I look forward to seeing the city’s continued efforts to engage
with and support the community we all cherish.
I respectfully urge the City Council to take this opportunity to adopt the
Downtown Parking Plaza Ordinance in its entirety.
Respectfully,
Mary Seaton
*California Interiors and Design*
*https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.cal-interiors.com&c=E,1,KuoO8gZ1NXqB0H2NqAlv2DFa9sL5Ny58V87qOjKpBnbXohngbr6KIBzhpYgDkcNeq6MQJnMzV0QY1z0tqsXp6YKcE6o7EC0v4tMo_BQRIMBlRF1pvgrnUSiFsWDx&typo=1 *
*650-477-7790*
*info@cal-interiors.com *
*Showroom Located @ 1300 El Camino Real, Belmont Ca 94002*
