Mayor Taylor, fellow Councilmembers, and City staff,
My name is John McKenna and I’m writing tonight as an individual and a long-time resident of Menlo Park. First, I want to thank Council and staff for their diligent work this year to finalize both the Housing Element and the Environmental Justice Element, both of which paved the way towards the discussion tonight regarding the downtown City-owned parking lots. Second, I want to thank the Council and staff for moving this years long vision one step closer to reality. Building much needed affordable housing in downtown Menlo Park will create a more equitable and inclusive city. It will also bring vibrancy and economic benefits to a downtown where residents will have the opportunity to live, work, shop, and play with the freedom to move around by foot, bicycle, and/or public transportation.
I support the staff recommendation to declare Parking Plazas 1, 2, and 3 as exempt surplus land and to release the RFQ for affordable housing development on these parking plazas.
In regard to the RFQ, I urge the Council to direct staff to move Item G (Sustainable Building Design) from the Development Objectives to Minimum Project Requirements. It is imperative that these projects are100 percent electric-powered in order to be aligned with the City’s Climate Action Plan. New construction is the low hanging fruit when it comes to building decarbonization and the City, as I understand it, has legal authority in this regard. Moreover, all-electric construction is the most cost-effective method and will result in healthier, safer, cleaner, and more efficient buildings.
Lastly, I encourage the City to continue engaging with various stakeholders throughout the process to ensure that the end result is one that everyone in Menlo Park, and beyond, can take pride in and enjoy.
Thank you for your consideration and thank you for your leadership.
Sincerely,
John McKenna
Menlo Park, CA
(650) 776-8548
