To Whom it May Concern:
I am a resident and homeowner in Menlo Park. I regularly use the 3 parking lots which the council is proposing to use for the downtown housing project. After reviewing the December 11, 2024 zoom presentation on the proposed downtown housing project, I have concerns which I wish to express to the city council.
First, no traffic or parking study was done as part of the "feasibility" assessment of the parking lots. I think it is critical that existing usage and traffic patterns should be well understood PRIOR to determining if these lots are appropriate for 345 housing units and the associated traffic which would accompany those units.
Second, the zoom presentation said that a traffic study was underway and would be completed next summer. Again, I think it is premature to make any determination about the future usage of these parking lots without this data in hand.
Third, if in fact, after a traffic study and public comment, the council determines that these lots are the best location for 345 housing units, there should be a requirement (NOT an option) for any developer to include in their proposal a plan to replace the 566 parking spaces which now are used by residents when they shop and patronize businesses adjacent to the lots.
Moira Cullen
829 Hermosa Way
Menlo Park
