It is very disappointing that the Staff memo to MCC parents was sent out to all the parents today as is. Per my message below, it
omits relevant information that is crucial. Selectively choosing to put down some facts, while omitting others, is not a
transparent process. In my experience so far, this is not the first time that information regarding this project is manipulated,
skewed, twisted, or omitted.
I have serious doubts regarding the soundness of the process of the "new main project".
Concerned MP resident,Osnat Loewenthal
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Osnat Loewenthal
Date: Mon, Apr 23, 2018 at 9:54 AM
Subject: Fwd: Fw: Library memo to MCC parents
To: "Szegda, Nick J"
Cc: "Banda, Angelina R" , "Bonham, Natalie A" [nabonham@menlopark.org]>, dsschweigart@menlopark.org [dsschweigart@menlopark.org], Kristen L [leeping1@gmail.com]>, Jacqui Cebrian , Kristina Lemons [kristinalemons@gmail.com]>, Lynne Bramlett , ester_bugna13@comcast.net
[ester_bugna13@comcast.net]
Hello Nick,
Before circling with the parents, let's make sure that the memo is correct and complete. It is currently omitting a few important
relevant points:
1. While the Library Commission (a body of public representatives that volunteer their time to serve and protect the public
interest) voted not to make a recommendation on the site due to what they felt was a lack of sufficient information, the Staff
(paid City employees and Library Staff) is going to recommend to the Council the Laurel Site. This is what you specifically told
the library commission on both the March 19th and April 16th library commission meetings.Please add the Staff recommendation of
the Laurel Site to the MCC Parent memo.
2. The "Laurel site" is the parking lot adjacent to MCC and After School Care facilities.Construction on Laurel Site is expected
to cause disruption for the MCC and After Care facilities at least in that duration.
3. The "Alma site" is the site where the current library is located on. Most attendees in the library siting meetings preferred
that the new library be located on the current Alma site due to various factors (less impact on trees, less impact on traffic on
Laurel Street, not too close to current child care facilities - people raised safety concerns, etc.).
4. Housing is not off the table. It was removed from the current discussion as part of the library project because it added
complexity to the project. The affordable housing on the Burgess Campus is still on the table and will be discussed at a later
time, separate from the library. In fact, many participants at the siting meetings mentioned concerns that if the Laurel site is
chosen, it will open up the Alma location for "re-use of the Alma site". One of the April 16th library commission attendees asked
you Nick specifically about this so that it goes on the record that housing is not removed from consideration. The way that the
memo is written is misleading as it omits that fact and can be misread by those who are not informed in all the details.
Let's make sure that all the facts are accurately presented so people can make sound decisions based on full transparency.
Thank you,Osnat Loewenthal.
>
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Szegda, Nick J" >
Date: April 20, 2018 at 4:21:39 PM PDT
To: "Schweigart, Derek S" [dsschweigart@menlopark.org]>>, "Bonham, Natalie A" [nabonham@menlopark.org]>>, "Jones, Natalya R" [NRJones@menlopark.org]>>
Cc: "Holmer, Susan E" >
Subject: Library memo to MCC parents
CSD Colleagues -
I have attached a short memo that gives an update to the parents at MCC about the library siting.
The Library System Improvements item has been bumped from the next (April 24) Council meeting by the Transportation Master Plan,
and is tentatively scheduled for some time in May.
I will be sure to update the MCC parents and staff when I know a firm date, and when the staff report is released.
Cheers -