To the Menlo Park City Council,
As a local doctor with a practice on Oak Grove, I urge the Council to reconsider the plan to declare three downtown parking lots as “surplus land” for the development of large-scale housing projects. These lots are critical to the functionality of our downtown and directly impact my patients, my staff, and the businesses we rely on.
Parking is already a significant issue. My patients frequently express frustration over the difficulty of finding parking, and my staff faces similar challenges. Reducing the availability of parking in an already congested area will only exacerbate these issues, deterring patients and impacting the livelihoods of downtown businesses.
I am also concerned about the lack of transparency and outreach to the community. No studies have been conducted to evaluate the potential impact on traffic, infrastructure, safety, or the local economy. The plan appears rushed and disconnected from the needs of those who live and work here.
I respectfully request the Council to:
1. Halt the declaration of these parking lots as “exempt surplus land.”
2. Identify alternative locations for affordable housing that do not sacrifice essential infrastructure.
3. Engage the community to develop responsible plans that balance growth with maintaining downtown’s character and functionality.
Menlo Park’s downtown is the heart of our city. Let’s protect its accessibility and charm while finding thoughtful solutions to address housing needs.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sara Herman MD ABOIM
Concerned small business owner and Menlo Park Resident (1019 Middle)
825 Oak Grove Ave Suite A101
Menlo Park CA 94025
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Sara Herman MD, ABOIM
Reflect. Reset. Transform.™, Soft Reboot Wellness
650-419-3330
| softrebootwellness.com
drsara@softrebootwellness.com
825 Oak Grove Ave, Suite A101, Menlo Park, CA 94025
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