Dear Menlo Park City Council Members, Wishing you a very happy Arbor Day. Today is the day to enjoy all of the beautiful trees that we have in Menlo Park. Wanted to share with you an article about how important trees are to our health, well being, and our quality of life: https://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-surprising-health-benefits-of-being-around-trees.html In the spirit of Arbor Day I am urging each Council Member to please vote on May 7th to save the seven beautiful heritage redwood trees that are located at 1,000 El Camino Real. As a resident of Menlo Park since the early 1990's I have so enjoyed the city's commitment throughout the years to protect our green canopy. I moved from Palo Alto to Menlo Park in the early 90's since I LOVED the residential character and the leafy green streets of our city. I live right near the corner of Santa Margarita and Gilbert. Everyday I am reminded of the city's commitment to our heritage trees as I drive around the beautiful Oak tree that is thriving in the middle of Gilbert Avenue. Rather than cut the tree down the city choose to preserve it for future generations to enjoy. Please consider other alternatives to cutting down the seven redwood trees for the following reasons: * The City's staff report confirms that the trees are not causing any damage to the building i.e. the damage to the underground parking lot was not caused by the trees. * There is currently no imminent danger to the building as confirmed by the building's owner at the EOC meeting. * Since the lifespan of the underground parking lot's waterproof membrane is 30 years, the water erosion issue will recur again with or without the trees. * The value of these redwood trees to our environment and quality of life is 'priceless'. Studies show that coastal redwoods capture more carbon dioxide (CO2) from our cars, trucks and power plants than any other tree on Earth. You have the opportunity to continue in the tradition of our City Leaders who chose to save an OAK Tree in the middle of Gilbert Ave so many years ago when you vote on May 7th. Please vote to preserve the seven redwood trees that are part of the beautiful grove of trees gracing the corner of El Camino and Ravenswood. Our future generations will thank you. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely, Margaret Spak 381 Santa Margarita Menlo Park, CA 94025 Tel: 650 325-1442 Received on Fri Apr 26 2019 - 16:11:40 PDT
