Dear Menlo Park City Council,
I have heard from other business owners about the proposed affordable housing plan, and it has significantly changed my perspective on my current business plans.
I am in the process of signing a lease for commercial space at 845 Santa Cruz Ave, but I immediately halted negotiations upon learning about the affordable housing initiative. This plan could jeopardize new businesses in downtown Menlo Park and negatively impact existing ones. Just look at the vacant spaces on Santa Cruz Ave—no one wants to rent if they know that affordable housing will be constructed on the three downtown parking lots. If housing is built there, I fear that many business owners will choose to leave downtown Menlo Park in the next two to three years, which would devastate the whole community.
Cities like San Carlos, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Redwood City are taking significant steps to attract good businesses to their downtown areas. The pandemic has already dealt a heavy blow to all business owners, and many are trying to recover in the next three to five years. However, Menlo Parks decision to eliminate over 500 parking spaces for affordable housing right next to our charming downtown is concerning and counterproductive.
I urge you to reconsider the site for the affordable housing project. Downtown is the heart of our city, and we should not risk its vitality.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Wayne Li
6861516@gmail.com
305-354-0146
