The many upsides of creating a more interesting, walkable downtown outweigh the most apparent downside, which is more difficult access for drivers. Menlo Park is not currently a "destination" downtown. A Santa Cruz promenade would help make it so. This would ultimately cause more people to walk and bike and "make an afternoon" or "make a day" out of hanging around Menlo Park, thereby helping to create a much-needed community among residents. This would bolster business too. Further, with an attractive Santa Cruz Ave., many of those who would otherwise drive may be more inclined to bike or walk, to the benefit of everyone and the environment. Those who cannot bike or walk have more options than they used to, given the increasing prevalence of delivery services and Uber-type services. These persons may bear some small additional expense in these situations, but it is hard to imagine the differential in any such expense over auto expenses would be significantly difficult for most Menlo Park residents. Menlo Park should be at the vanguard of leading us away from the auto-centric culture. Creating a downtown promenade is a necessary step to doing so. John C. Brown 415-999-9551 Received on Sat May 23 2020 - 07:57:59 PDT
