To the honorable city council members.
Cafe Zoe has had noise complaints recently, which compelled my family to give our thoughts on the matter. I live very close to Cafe Zoe on Oak Court and find the Cafe a source of community, fellowship, and goodwill for the whole Willows Neighborhood. Every Friday, Kathleen, the owner, provides free of charge live music and events from which every neighbor I know takes great pleasure.
I understand the need to balance the individual's needs versus the community; I point out that Cafe Zoe's events end before the 10:00 PM 50db noise curfew. I argue the Friday events should constitute what municipal code 8.06.040(e) defines as an "occasional social gathering," - which accommodates a 65db noise level up to 11:00 PM - far later than any event.
The commercial zoning was there far before the renters, and one must also understand the context of the adjacent areas you choose to live in. The bureaucratic tragedy that great good brings to the neighborhood can be decimated by police action.
With gratitude,
Paul, Monica, Jayna, and Alexa Chua
164 Oak Ct, Menlo Park, CA 94025
