Dear City Council Leaders,
I have been teaching in Atherton for nearly 15 years, and for the first 11
of those years I was commuting 37 miles each way. Though I have since been
able to move closer due to a housing benefit at my wifes work, thousands
of workers remain forced to commute long hours, clogging roadways,
contributing greenhouse gasses, and not spending money at local businesses
as they rush home after work. From 2010-2019, San Mateo County added over
100,000 new jobs and fewer than 10,000 new housing units. While concern for
the local character of ones neighborhood is understandable, clearly this
is unsustainable.
As a teacher, I did not get into this industry for the money and fame. None
of us did. But as I approach my 40s and with two young children, I worry
about the sustainability of remaining in my profession, educating the
children of this area.
Menlo Park - and all communities in our region - needs to do its part to
address the housing shortage and the climate crisis. New development will
be good for the community, adding economic activity, strengthening local
businesses, and reducing our shared carbon footprint with the reduction in
commuting - so long as some of these units remain affordable for those
providing the services our community relies on.
The concerns around traffic ringing loudly from opponents to this project
need not be realized if more of the workers already pouring into the area
each day can live closer to their employers. The complaints of lost parking
spaces can at least partially be addressed by smarter planning (garages
both above and below ground) that can be incorporated into designs. Lastly,
let us remember that in addition to all of the economic benefits that would
come to this area, this plan would be the first steps to addressing a
housing shortage that will only worsen congestion and displacement if left
unchecked.
Sincerely,
Matt Carroll
--
Matt Carroll, M.Div
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton
Religious Studies Faculty
150 Valparaiso Avenue | Atherton, CA 94027
Mcarroll@shschools.org
"*If kinship were our goal then we would no longer be promoting justice;
wed be celebrating it" - Rev. Greg Boyle, S.J.*
