Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council,
My name is Brittany B. Goodwin, and I am a resident of Belle Haven and
Menlo Park. I am writing to you today as a resident who is passionate about
our community’s future and eager to support the city’s goals for advancing
environmental justice and community access.
I truly appreciate the work being done to make Menlo Park more equitable,
and I’d like to share some constructive feedback. As you prepare for this
year’s priority-setting meeting, please consider the following:
*I. Anti-Displacement Strategy:* Please prioritize the implementation of the
anti-displacement strategy identified as a top concern through our
Environmental
Justice and Housing Element plans. As Belle Haven continues to face
significant real estate speculation, we must move beyond study and into
action. I urge the Council to fast-track tangible renter protections and
preservation tools that ensure our most vulnerable neighbors—especially
low-income residents and seniors—can remain in the community they helped
build.
*II. Food Systems Implementation:* Please implement the subcommittees 10
recommendations to combat escalating food prices. Investing in a farmer’s
market, community gardens, and fresh food vouchers will provide immediate
and necessary relief to our most vulnerable residents.
*III. Equitable Aquatic Access:* While the Belle Haven pool is a wonderful
asset, the current operating model isnt quite meeting the needs of all
our neighbors. Specifically, I believe we can better serve the community
by transitioning to a publicly owned and operated model to ensure:
*1. Expanded Accessibility:* Adjusting hours to better accommodate working
families and creating dedicated programs for our Seniors and Belle Haven
residents would make a world of difference.
*2. A Welcoming Environment:* We want the pool to feel like a true community
hub. Currently, it can be difficult to find program information on the
operators website, which can feel like a barrier to entry—especially for
seniors. To bridge this gap, I suggest that all pool hours, class
schedules, and program details be hosted directly on the official Menlo
Park city website for better transparency and ease of use.
*3. Affordability:* Offering free or discounted rates at times that work
for local residents would ensure that financial status doesnt limit
anyone’s ability to stay active and healthy.
Our Environmental Justice Element is the strongest representation of our
community’s needs. I am sharing these thoughts because I care deeply about
our city’s progress and inclusivity. Thank you for your time and for all
the work you continue do to keep Menlo Park a great place for everyone.
Respectfully,
*BRITTANY B. GOODWIN *
*Phone:* *650-248-5041* *|* *Email:*
*BrittanyBGoodwin@Gmail.com*
