Dear Menlo Park City Council Members,
I agree with all the concerns that are stated in the following Menlo
Forward petition.
We, the undersigned, *urge* Menlo Park’s City Council, Planning Commission,
and State and County leaders to *oppose* the proposed skyscraper
development at *80 Willow Road, *which exploits the builder’s remedy
provision to bypass local zoning regulations*,* and to *support legislation
preventing similar overdevelopment*. Additionally, we
*demand a full Environmental Impact Report.*
*KEY CONCERNS*
1)* Incompatible with the Neighborhood*
- This *hyper-urban project* would place *three high-rise buildings as
tall as 39 stories* into a *neighborhood of single and two-story homes
and offices*, in sharp contrast to the *largely residential character*
of Menlo Park and surrounding cities.
- The proposal is *not part of Menlo Park’s state-approved housing plan*
.
2)* Worsened Traffic and Congestion*
- Traffic to and from this development would *overwhelm an already
congested commuter corridor* along Willow and Middlefield Roads, with
inevitable spillover to Marsh Road, Bay Road, and University Avenue.
- Increased congestion *threatens emergency response times, fire safety,
and evacuation routes*. Added vehicular traffic would increase
pollution, as well as *safety risks for pedestrians and cyclists.*
3) *Deepen the Housing Deficit*
- This project *creates far more jobs than housing*, deepening Menlo
Park’s existing housing deficit.
*CALLS TO ACTION*
We *demand* that Menlo Park’s City Council, Planning Commission, and County
and State leaders:
✅ *Reject* this oversized project.
✅ *Support* *legislation* to prevent similar overdevelopment.
✅ *Require a full Environmental Impact Report*.
Menlo Park must prioritize *thoughtful, responsible development* that
aligns with our community’s needs and values.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Margaret Nomoto
