Dear Mayor Nash, Vice Mayor Wolosin, Council Members Combs, Mueller and Taylor, and City Staff,

We are writing with regard to the City’s efforts in pursuit of a city-wide Quiet Zone.

Belatedly, but most sincerely, we want to formally thank Council for establishing the QZ as a Capital Improvement Project. This was a tremendous idea, and we are deeply grateful for your proactive support of this Priority. We appreciate Council’s focus on rail and understanding of the profound impacts it has on Menlo Park residents, workers and visitors.

With regard to the RFP for the QZ Implementation Plan, the community wishes to thank Assistant Public Works Director Louch for meeting with members of the community back in November, and incorporating several comments on the original draft into the current document. Given Council’s opportunity for input, we suggest just two clarifying additions:


1.
Pedestrian Crossing. Although this crossing between the station platform and Ravenswood is referenced, it should be explicitly included as an area of focus. Issues related to non-vehicular crossings have tripped up or slowed other CA QZ approvals - situations we want to avoid.
2.
California-based QZ Experience. The CPUC will weigh in on a future MP QZ (in part due to the Ped Xing), so our consultant should have direct knowledge of and experience with California rules and regulatory bodies. Additionally, we recommend that at least one reference be for QZ work in CA.

Thank you all for your consideration, and continued leadership and support of this effort.

Respectfully,

Marcy Abramowitz, Maria Amundson, Felton Gables HOA
Scott Barnum, Park Forest HOA
Alex Beltramo, Mills Street / San Antonio Avenue
Sue Connelly, The Classics at Burgess HOA
JoAnne Goldberg, Linfield Oaks Neighborhood Association
Amy Mushlin, Mills Court
Matt Normington, Marquis HOA