Dear Menlo Park City Council Members,
I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed housing development at 320 Sheridan Drive, which would create 88 new homes prioritized for educators and their families. I urge you to DENY the appeal against the Planning Commissions 5-1 decision to approve this project at tonights meeting (March 11, 2025).
As you well know, Menlo Park faces a severe housing shortage that particularly impacts essential workers like teachers. When educators cannot afford to live in the communities they serve, our schools suffer from understaffing and high turnover, directly affecting the quality of education our children receive. This project represents a concrete solution to this pressing issue.
The collaboration between Alliant Strategic Development and the Ravenswood City School District to transform a vacant lot into much-needed housing demonstrates exactly the kind of innovative approach our city needs. The Planning Commission thoroughly reviewed this proposal and voted overwhelmingly in favor of moving forward. After extensive community input and deliberation, its time to honor that process rather than allowing a single vocal opponent to further delay this vital project.
The housing crisis in our region requires bold action. Young people and essential workers are being forced to leave the area due to prohibitive housing costs. Each delay in approving viable housing solutions only exacerbates this problem. This project directly addresses our communitys needs while making productive use of currently vacant land.
I strongly believe that supporting this project aligns with Menlo Parks values of inclusivity and sustainability. By creating housing opportunities for educators, we invest in the future of our schools and community.
Please vote to deny the appeal and allow this important housing project to move forward without further delay.
Respectfully,
--
Ronen Vengosh
1023 Oakland Avenue, Menlo Park 94025
(m) 650-533-5161
