Preserving the Community’s Identity and Integrity
When I first arrived in this town in 2005, I fell in love with the place. It’s a vibrant community built organically by decent, hard-working citizens. Its unique charm and values make it attractive to everyone, but we must protect what makes this town special. If we bypass the very rules that have created this thriving community, we risk permanently damaging its appeal—a path from which there may be no return.
Addressing Affordable Housing Responsibly
We all have family members and friends who cannot afford to live here, and it’s essential to address this issue thoughtfully. However, clustering low- and very-low-income housing into single developments is not the answer. This approach risks stigmatizing these residents and undermines the inclusive values we stand for. Instead, affordable housing (BMR units) should be integrated proportionally across all developments to promote inclusion and community integration. Segregated housing is not a solution—it’s a setback.
Impact on Local Businesses
As a business owner, I’ve witnessed firsthand how parking and accessibility affect our local economy. For example, events like the farmer’s market on Santa Cruz Avenue have caused sales at Ace Hardware to drop by as much as 60%. Customers need convenient parking to shop. If parking becomes scarcer or harder to access, customers will simply go elsewhere, devastating businesses across downtown. Adding new developments without adequately addressing parking needs will further strain our already limited resources.
Traffic and Accessibility Challenges
To exit Parking Plaza 1 on Oak Grove Avenue already takes 10 to 15 minutes to navigate between 3:00 and 5:00 PM. Adding hundreds of residents with multiple cars—especially without garages—will paralyze downtown traffic. This will disproportionately affect elderly residents and others who rely on accessible parking for shopping and services. Far-away parking structures are not a practical solution for these individuals.
Legal and Historical Agreements
The parking plazas in downtown Menlo Park were created through agreements between the city and property owners to better serve businesses and increase property values. For the city to now declare these lots as surplus land for development contradicts the original intent of these agreements. This breach of trust could lead to class-action lawsuits from property owners and businesses. Before any changes are made, the legality of repurposing these lots must be thoroughly examined and resolved.
A Call for Responsible Action
This community deserves better. Before rushing into decisions that could harm the town, its businesses, and its residents, the city must:
1. Engage the Community: Consult with residents and business owners to gather input and build consensus.
2. Plan for Integration: Ensure affordable housing is integrated across developments to promote inclusion.
3. Address Infrastructure Needs: Conduct comprehensive traffic and parking studies to understand and mitigate impacts.
4. Honor Agreements: Review and respect the original agreements made regarding parking lots.
This town’s character and success were built on careful planning and collaboration. Let’s not undermine decades of progress with hasty, poorly considered changes.
Vasile Oros
Menlo Park Ace Hardware
