Dear Mayor Combs and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my deep concern about the incomplete and biased
9212 report that was shared with the public at last night’s meeting. It was
a very surface level report that did not consider one of the most important
issues: *SAFETY*. In my opinion, it was a waste of $165,000 of taxpayer’s
money. I feel my 7th grader could have input the information into CHATGPT
and come up with that same report. I hope that moving forward the Council
will strongly consider how they spend taxpayers’ money.
I am also writing as a retailer operating within an established, mixed-use
affordable housing development. The layout of our development has been
successful largely because it was designed with clear, street-to-street
access that allows for safe and efficient movement of residents, customers,
service vehicles, and—critically—emergency personnel. This intentional
planning supports both the housing community and the surrounding commercial
environment.
The proposed low-income housing development in the downtown parking lots
are *tightly squeezed into spaces with existing commercial buildings*.*
Does the Council have future plans to bulldoze ALL existing retail and
office buildings and replace them with affordable housing? * Unlike my
location, which benefits from unobstructed access on both sides, these lots
appear significantly constrained. Because of this configuration, I am
concerned that:
1. *Emergency responders may face limited or delayed access*, which
could pose risks for residents and neighboring properties.
2. *Evacuation routes could be insufficient*, especially during a fire
or medical emergency.
3. *Daily operational needs—deliveries, service vehicles, customer
flow, and pedestrian movement—may be hindered* by the narrow site layout.
4. The project may meet zoning minimums but still fall short of
practical, long-term functionality and safety.
I fully support affordable housing and recognize its vital role in our
community. My concern is not with the residents who will live there, but
with the *planning and placement* of this specific project on a lot that
may not be suitable for this type of development.
*Broader Concerns About Downtown Vitality*
I would also like to address a larger pattern that appears to be emerging
in downtown planning decisions. Thriving downtown districts depend on
a *balanced
mix of housing, commercial spaces, and diverse economic activity*. When
developments are approved that limit or eliminate commercial opportunities,
restrict pedestrian flow, or reduce the potential customer base for local
businesses, the downtown ecosystem becomes less sustainable. Furthermore,
because of the pending building proposal in the downtown parking lots many
businesses have chosen to close, relocate or not sign or extend their
leases. Again, I fear this is part of the Council’s long-term plan to
shutter downtown businesses completely.
We have seen in cities like San Francisco how *imbalanced
planning—especially when housing is added without preserving commercial
vibrancy—can lead to business closures, inactive street fronts, and a
declining downtown environment*. My concern is that if Menlo Park continues
approving projects on constrained lots with *limited access* and* little
economic integration*, our downtown area could move in that same direction.
Again, this is not an issue of who lives in the buildings, but *how the
buildings are integrated into the downtown economy*. Housing that does not
connect well to commercial corridors or that restricts foot traffic can
unintentionally reduce the support that small businesses rely upon. If
downtown becomes dominated by isolated housing projects without meaningful
commercial engagement, the area risks losing the vibrancy that makes it a
destination for residents and visitors alike.
*Request for Consideration*
I respectfully urge the Council to:
· Re-evaluate whether the downtown parking lots are appropriate
sites for this type of housing given their physical limitations.
· Immediately consider alternative locations or design modifications
that would ensure accessibility, safety, and practical long-term use.
· Prioritize a balanced approach to downtown planning—one that
supports affordable housing *and* preserves the economic vitality needed
for local businesses to survive.
· Cease working on the downtown Menlo Park parking lot project until
after the ballot initiative is voted on in November 2026.
Thank you for your consideration of these concerns. I appreciate the
Council’s commitment to expanding housing opportunities while maintaining a
safe, functional, and vibrant downtown.
Kind Regards,
Collette Seaton
