Dear Members of the Menlo Park City Council,
Thank you for this opportunity to express my concern regarding the fast-tracked nature of the proposal for redevelopment of plazas 1-3. I am writing to express my concern about the fast-tracked nature of this proposal and its potential impact on our citys families, business, and overall quality of life.
As a church, Menlo is deeply invested in the well-being of our communities, not just spiritually, but also practically, partnering with the businesses and families we serve. All of us in the Bay area understand the housing challenges and the need for additional housing, yet I believe this proposal raises serious concerns for the Menlo Park community.
1. Safety Concerns for Children: With schools and residential areas close by, any reductions in accessibility or increases in traffic congestion could create dangerous conditions for children walking or biking to school. This is a major concern for many of the families we serve at the church.
2. Impact on Local Businesses: Many small business owners in Menlo Park, including those who are members of our church, rely on accessible parking and steady foot traffic to stay afloat. This proposal could harm these local businesses, risking livelihoods and threatening the vibrancy of the downtown area.
3. Logistical Concerns: From parking to traffic management, this plan introduces a host of logistical challenges that could negatively affect residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Previous assessments indicated htat Plaza 3 was the only viable location for a parking structure, and removing it without a clear alternative is deeply troubling.
4. Insufficient Community Engagement: Menlo Park has a strong tradition of thoughtful public dialogue and collaboration, which we at Menlo Church have been blessed to be a part of and to partner with the City Council. Moving forward with this proposal without thoughtful community engagement erodes the trust and cooperative spirit that have been a part of the citys decision-making process over many decades.
Given these concerns, I respectfully ask that the Council postpone any decisions on this proposal in order to allow for more community input, transparency, and careful consideration. As an organization that is fully committed to this community, I believe that the community can come together to develop solutions that can balance the needs for safety, prosperity, and the well-being of Menlo Park.
I am grateful for your leadership and service to Menlo Park, and will continue to pray for wisdom and cooperation as we navigate this important issue together.
Blessings,
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