- Residents and stakeholders express strong support for new affordable housing developments along Santa Cruz Avenue, considering sites like former Pharmaca and Wells Fargo for low-income housing with retail on lower levels. Concerns are raised about site selection and parking issues, specifically questioning why the post office lot was chosen over the Wells Fargo lot. Residents emphasize the importance of enhancing downtown vibrancy, improving pedestrian safety, and retaining local merchants to prevent decline, with some noting the need for community rallying and engagement to revitalize the area.
- Several local business owners and community members emphasize that the closure of Santa Cruz Avenue has negatively affected retail and service businesses by reducing foot traffic, visibility, and accessibility. Business owners like Valerie Lauterbach and Karsten Iwers highlight closures and declining revenue, urging the city to reopen the street to support economic vitality.
- A majority of survey respondents and residents advocate for reopening the street to restore traffic flow and improve business conditions. Dissenting opinions mostly come from chain businesses and property owners who benefit from the current closures, but overall, community sentiment favors reopening to boost commerce and local vibrancy.
- Residents and business owners oppose new high-density, low-income housing developments proposed in downtown parking lots, citing potential negative impacts such as reduced parking, increased congestion, and harm to small local businesses. They call for careful study of alternative sites and community involvement before proceeding.
- Community members criticize parklets and street obstructions for creating inconvenience and discouraging downtown visitation. There is strong opposition to proposals increasing parking restrictions or converting open spaces into housing, citing concerns over diminished accessibility and economic sustainability.
- Numerous residents and business owners oppose plans to eliminate parking lots for housing development, citing potential closures of longstanding local businesses, increased traffic congestion, and loss of Menlo Park's small-town charm. Many advocate for preserving existing parking infrastructure to support retail vitality.
- Several community members support incorporating affordable housing within downtown or nearby areas, emphasizing benefits like boosting foot traffic, supporting local workers, and enhancing city vibrancy while respecting development commitments.
- Residents request inclusion of full-size sports fields, playgrounds, and other amenities in new developments to promote active lifestyles, youth engagement, and community cohesion, especially as increased density is anticipated.
- Multiple submissions highlight the importance of maintaining ample parking to sustain small businesses, support residential needs, and preserve Menlo Park's character. The elimination of existing parking lots is seen as detrimental to economic vitality.
- Community members suggest exploring options like underground parking structures, repurposing existing properties, or adopting successful examples from neighboring cities to revitalize downtown without sacrificing parking or small-business access.
- Residents advocate for meetings to be held in accessible locations like Meta Campus to ensure broader participation, especially for East Menlo Park, emphasizing inclusivity and representation.
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