Council Members:
Please do not convert downtown parking to housing. I understand the Housing Element requirements, but there are alternative sites for housing. Save Menlo has identified five such sites at https://www.savedowntownmenlo.org/alternativesites
I stop in downtown Menlo at least once a week to shop and eat lunch. I also have a doctor that relies on a public parking lot. Your downtown is convenient (off El Camino) and has great restaurants and shops, but my primary reason for choosing it is the availability of parking. Its busy at lunch time, but I always find a space in one of the lots. I can go to the bank, pick up garden supplies at ACE Hardware, paint supplies at Grays, find treasure at the Discovery Shop and The Shop, get large photo prints at Mikes, choose some greeting cards at Walgreens, ...
Menlo Park has been contributing to the jobs/housing imbalance since your giveaway to Facebook many years ago. Youre facing more huge projects at SRI and Sunset Magazine, which will add to the imbalance.
Im all in favor of more housing, especially for low income families. But put that housing where it wont disrupt businesses and impact your sales tax.
Without convenient, ground level parking, Ill find somewhere else to shop.
Respectfully, Pat Marriott
