I am writing to express my concerns over the proposed construction of affordable housing utilizing the City’s parking lots. I have read through the August 2024 report to familiarize myself with the plan should the Council choose to approve it.


The plan seems to be an expedient way to comply with affordable housing because the City controls the land. At its August 27 meeting one of the Council members actually referred to this land as “free”. While it is true based on this plan that there will be no cost to the developers for the land, there is an immeasurable cost to the character of our City and incalculable cost to the downtown businesses.


When I first moved to Menlo Park 30+ years ago, the downtown area was part of the appeal. I did not want to live in the “suburbs”, preferring a “home town” with its distinct character. The downtown merchants are part of our community ~ they know us by name, they know our families, they have become our friends! Many had difficulty recovering from the detrimental effects of COVID, and most tenaciously survived, but many failed - Pharmaca, Bistro Galata, Boulanger, to name a few. Some of the newer businesses like Coffee Bar have made a commitment to Menlo Park and sought creative ways to bring business to the City - like the first Sunday of the month car event that takes place in one of the parking lots under consideration for development.


The proposal places a costly - possibly irreversible cost - on the businesses that will need to contend with the prolonged disruption due to development. (How long has Ann’s Coffee Shop been under construction?). Until the replacement parking included with the development is functioning, all the existing parking needs will be accommodated by the lots along Menlo Avenue that are in poor condition, and already very congested. What will happen to the Farmer’s Market, a huge draw for our city?


I believe that each of us who live in Menlo Park has a responsibility to protect the character of our community ~ in particular each of you as our elected representatives. I understand that you are trying to comply with a State mandate. The State however, does not appreciate or recognize that part of our city’s history is connected to this very downtown - it is a rare treasure that warrants protection. The very creation of these parking lots was to support and encourage our downtown. Instead of destroying our downtown, the City Council should do everything in its power to protect it including the possibility of an historic designation.


Please do not proceed with this plan. I urge you to vote no at your Tuesday, November 19 meeting.


Carol Carnevale