Dear Council Members -
I am writing to oppose the development at 305 Haight St, Menlo Park as it
is currently designed. It is absurdly large for its lot and hugely out of
proportion in height relative to the adjacent properties (24 high roofline
vs 15 high). The elevation facing Laurel Avenue is egregious in that it
presents an asymmetric gable roofline. It appears to be an attempt to
correlate with the other gable-roofed houses nearby. As a Harvard
University-trained architect, I can assure you it does not do it
successfully.
Furthermore, it requires a use permit and 6 variances! I know we need
housing but the Planning Commission and department staff clearly dont
realize just how small the lot is. It is not just substandard. It is
*tiny!* The
project will look like a towering stack of shipping containers on the
corner. I would suggest that the owner be asked to outline the proposed
building with "story poles" so the neighbors, staff, Commission and Council
can see the buildings massing and effect on the street.
Please send the project back for redesign and instruct the Planning
Commission to require adjustments so that its appearance and height better
suit the neighborhood. I can think of at least 2 designs that would be a
huge improvement over the current proposal and would be glad to share my
ideas.
Thank you for your consideration.
ROBIN SEVERNS, AIA
Retired Architect
