To the Menlo Park City Council,

As a property owner in Menlo Park and a member of a family with roots here for over 80 years, I am writing to express my strong concerns regarding the proposed development of high-density, low-income housing on Parking Plazas 1, 2, and 3 in downtown Menlo Park. This proposal, which seems to have advanced with minimal public awareness or input, poses significant risks to the character and functionality of our downtown area.

It is deeply concerning that a project of this magnitude, with the potential to drastically alter the downtown landscape and catastrophically disrupt local businesses, has progressed without meaningful engagement with residents, business owners, and property stakeholders. Most people in our community were unaware of the plan until very recently. This lack of transparency undermines trust and raises questions about the decision-making process.

The current proposal also appears rushed and inadequately planned. Key concerns, such as traffic congestion, parking shortages, infrastructure strain, and economic impacts on local businesses, have not been sufficiently addressed. Downtown parking is already limited, and there is no clear strategy to replace the spaces that would be lost. Additionally, the prospect of prolonged construction threatens to exacerbate these challenges and deter visitors from supporting our downtown businesses.

While I recognize and support the need for affordable housing, the decision to situate such a development on these central parking lots is both ill-conceived and potentially detrimental to the community’s vibrancy. Alternative sites that could meet housing goals with less disruption do not appear to have been thoroughly explored. The assertion that this development will enhance the vitality of downtown is unconvincing when weighed against the likely increase in congestion and diminished accessibility.

The upcoming City Council meeting on January 14th is a critical moment to reevaluate this proposal. I urge the Council to act in the best interest of the entire Menlo Park community by taking the following steps:

Conduct comprehensive public outreach: Ensure that all residents, business owners, and stakeholders are informed and have an opportunity to provide input on the proposed plan.

Commission thorough impact studies: Evaluate the potential effects on traffic, parking, infrastructure, and the local economy before moving forward.

Explore alternative locations: Identify and assess other sites for affordable housing that would minimize disruption to downtown operations and activities.

Menlo Park can and should address the urgent need for affordable housing in a way that reflects thoughtful planning and genuine collaboration. Let us work together to develop solutions that meet these needs while preserving the character and vitality of our city.

Sincerely,

Paul De Zan
1249 Mills Street
Menlo Park