To the City Council of Menlo Park,
I recently learned of the proposed construction of affordable housing on the parking plazas in downtown Menlo Park. Given the continuing fragile retail economy in Menlo Park, it would be irresponsible for the City Council to grant approval as the project is currently contemplated.
Even before the pandemic, we have witnessed the rapid turnover of long-operating retail stores in Menlo Park. Whether for groceries, dining, furniture, pets, or other purposes, these stores rely on accessible parking for those that both live in or near Menlo Park, including Atherton, but also those coming from other towns and cities. We have an aging population that relies on accessibility to these stores.
Eliminating 550 parking spaces and adding 450 new residences will very likely result in new traffic problems in Menlo Park. The likely beneficiaries of the affordable housing are not likely to trade their personal cars in for bus passes. As countless studies have shown, it is this very demographic that most heavily relies on single-use transportation.
In addition, with project along the Caltrain corridor that have built below-grade public parking facilities, we should now allow any new construction on this scale in Menlo Park to be approved without corresponding subterranean parking, not just to accommodate the residential units, but also to compensate for the lost parking spaces currently available.
It is irresponsible to the business owners and taxpaying stakeholders in Menlo Park to imperil the continued operation of local retail businesses. These businesses represent a part of the charm of Menlo Park, and have done so, in some cases, for 70 years or more.
While I support the addition of affordable housing to Menlo Park, we all have the responsibility to balance the interests of all stakeholders in Menlo Park. Before you take any further action, do not delay engaging with the residents of Menlo Park to seek meaningful and broad-based input.
Best regards,
Karl May
Camino de los Robles
Menlo Park
