Dear Members of the Menlo Park City Council,
I hope you are all well. My name is Monte Fisher, and I have been one of the pastors of Menlo Church for 14 years. We relish our standing in the community and downtown of Menlo Park and have long appreciated our proximity to the parking lots proposed for redevelopment of plazas 1-3. I am writing to express my deep concern about the fast-tracked nature of this proposal and its potential detrimental impact on our city’s families, businesses, and overall quality of life.
As a church, we are deeply invested in the well-being of this community, as a neighbor and partner to the businesses and families we serve. While I understand the need for addressing housing
challenges, I believe this proposal, as it stands, raises serious concerns for all of us:
* Safety for Our Children: With schools and neighborhoods nearby, reducing accessibility and increasing traffic congestion could make it unsafe for children walking or biking to school. As a church that regularly engages with local families, I know this is a top priority for many in our community.
* Harm to Small Businesses: Many local business owners, including members of our church, depend on accessible parking and steady foot traffic. This proposal risks undermining the very businesses that make Menlo Park unique and vibrant, putting livelihoods and cherished community services at risk.
* Lack of Community Input: Menlo Park’s strength has always been in its collaboration and thoughtfulness. Significant decisions, like the Downtown/El Camino Plan, benefitted from extensive public dialogue and workshops. Fast-tracking this decision without similar community engagement undermines the trust and partnership that have long characterized our city’s decision-making.
* Challenges with Logistics: From parking to traffic flow, this plan introduces substantial practical hurdles that could negatively affect not just downtown visitors but also residents, workers, and families. Past assessments indicated Plaza 3 was the only viable location for a parking structure, making its removal without a feasible alternative particularly concerning.
I respectfully urge you to delay any decisions on this proposal to allow for greater transparency, community input, and thoughtful planning. As someone deeply committed to this community, I believe we can work together to find a solution that balances housing needs with the safety, economic vitality, and overall well-being of Menlo Park. Thank you for your leadership and for your commitment to serving our city. I pray for discernment and collaboration as we work toward a brighter future together.
Warmest regards,
Monte Fisher
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