Council Members:
You paid a consultant$165,000 to tell you what will happen if affordable housing is built ondowntown parking lots. You could have saved money and got better informationby reading local newspapers.
Consultant claims housingprojects would include replacement parking. Wishful thinking. That’s apriority, but not a requirement. Developers are unlikely to provide enoughparking for the housing units, let alone replace existing spots.
In 2022 Los Altos approved a90-unit affordable housing complex with 90 parking places. The developer had tocut 50 of those spots to reduce costs in order to get funding. A great loss to future tenants.
Consultant saysincreased traffic would be mitigated by proximity to public transit, but thatwon’t help people who work multiple jobs, odd shifts, or need a car or truckfor their work. Without onsite parking, they’ll have to park on neighborhoodstreets, ultimately causing residents to demand residential parking permits.
Consultant claims more peopleliving downtown will be good for business, with renters earning about$80,000/year. It’s unlikely those residents will shop at Draeger’s or frequentupscale restaurants on Santa Cruz Ave.
Housing or parking. Menlo Parkhas a tough decision to make, but facts and common sense should guide theoutcome.
Respectfully, Pat Marriott a frequent downtown Menlo shopper who misses Anns Coffee Shop and Boulangerie.
