Dear Mr. Combs, Mayor and City Council members,
First, thank you for your service on Menlo Parks City Council. It is a
big responsibility, and few people are willing to step up to it. I
appreciate the time you spend.
I am writing regarding 305 Haight Street. I wrote yesterday opposing the
current design and suggesting that it looked like a stack of shipping
containers. I would like it to be sent back for redesign. Then, because I
was an architect for many years, I put together a couple of drawings to
prove to myself that the design could be dramatically improved. It can be.
I am not suggesting that this design be adopted, but I want to show you
that *redesign will not be a hardship for the owner*. With the continued
cooperation of the Planning Commission and staff, Mr. Kasirossafar could
build a home that is better suited to the neighborhood.
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Sincerely,
ROBIN SEVERNS
Retired Architect
Construction Project Manager
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Robin Severns
Date: Sun, Jul 12, 2026 at 10:31 PM
Subject: 305 Haight Street
To:
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
