Dear City Council:
I am a resident of the Willows neighborhood and have been for 17 years.
I am concerned about the development of the lot adjacent to Draegers Market on University. Since the development will require
Draegers to remove parking to support deliveries, I suspect the market owners are correct in their worry that it will affect their
business.
While I appreciate the adjacent lot owner's right to develop its property, I really wish the city would consider the impact of
losing a market like Draegers because of compromising its business. It is not clear to me why the City would want to harm Draegers
ability to serve the community. When retail is struggling and we are losing businesses that differentiate Menlo, I am actually
shocked that the City has done so little to ameliorate the situation.
Trader Joe's and Safeway do not provide the selection or service that many residents of our community desire. Quantity does not
equal quality, as they say. The quality and selection at Draegers is superior to any of the other choices. Also, I have noticed
lately that the demographic is changing with many young families now making this choice, not just folks like me. The selection is
much more targeted to our population.
I read the article in the local paper and comments of our city officials just seem so callous. I want the owners of the adjacent
lot to be able to develop it if you feel the use is appropriate. I just want for the design to support our existing businesses,
particularly this specific one!
Perhaps I need to make you all a meal with some ingredients from "our" market so that you can taste the difference from the frozen
processed food and the mass market produce at others. Don't even get me started on the difference in floral...
Regards,
Lori Hobson
The Jewel Box -- Pristine oceanfront vacation rental on the Big Island of Hawai'i [http://www.vrbo.com/583918]// We would love to
share it with our friends!
