- Residents and community groups strongly oppose the proposed large-scale development at 80 Willow Road and the Sunset property, citing concerns over environmental impact, traffic congestion, overdevelopment, and character of the area. Multiple letters emphasize the need for a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and highlight potential hazards, flood risks, and negative effects on local wildlife, infrastructure, and quality of life. There is also criticism of the city's planning process and support for alternative affordable housing sites.
- Letters raise issues regarding the environmental impact of the proposed project, including increased impervious surfaces risking flooding and pollution, threats to endangered species, light pollution affecting wildlife, and land liquefaction risks. There are also concerns about the sufficiency of sewer and water infrastructure to support the development, as well as potential complications during natural disasters due to lack of evacuation routes.
- Community members request transparency and access to project-related records, highlight the possibility of legal action against overdevelopment, and criticize the city’s process for not adequately consulting residents and local businesses. They advocate for thorough evaluation of alternative sites for affordable housing outside the downtown parking lots.
- Some residents support affordable housing initiatives, advocating for development on existing parking lots in downtown Menlo Park. However, many express that the current plan prioritizes meeting state housing quotas over community needs, and they call for more public involvement and better planning to ensure projects align with local character and infrastructure capacity.
- Community members critique city council decisions, accusing them of poor communication, lack of proper site evaluation, and prioritizing urban density over local concerns. There is a push for the city to reconsider site selections, evaluate private and public alternatives, and restore community trust through transparent processes.
- Various residents emphasize the importance of reopening Santa Cruz Avenue to restore traffic flow, support local businesses, and enhance downtown accessibility. They also advocate for better street resurfacing, sidewalks, and pedestrian safety measures, particularly on Woodland Ave, aligned with Complete Streets principles and city standards.
- Residents call for adherence to the Transportation Master Plan, Vision Zero, and AB 413 law, urging traffic calming, street resurfacing, and street lighting improvements. There is specific concern about Woodland Ave's safety, lack of sidewalks, and the need for bicycle-friendly infrastructure to ensure safe travel for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Community members discuss proposed high-density housing projects, expressing opposition to developments perceived as disproportionate and out of scale. They suggest prioritizing downtown-oriented, sustainable, and community-compatible housing solutions instead of large-scale, high-rise projects that may harm local business and neighborhood character.
- Residents support initiatives consistent with city’s climate goals, electrification programs, and infrastructure upgrades to facilitate sustainable practices. They highlight the need for community engagement, transparent processes, and integrated planning for utilities, streets, and public transportation to promote safety, accessibility, and environmental responsibility.
- Community advocates stress the importance of establishing humane, legal, and effective programs for homeless residents, opposing punitive measures such as RV bans. They recommend targeted aid, safe parking, and transitional housing instead of ordinances that threaten civil rights and community dignity.
- Several residents and officials argue that California's housing mandates, especially the plan to convert downtown parking lots into housing, are illegal, poorly planned, and could lead to costly litigation. They request the city challenge the housing law in court before proceeding.
- Widespread public opposition emphasizes that downtown parking lots are essential for local businesses, community character, and traffic management. Residents fear losing parking will harm commerce, increase congestion, and destroy the small-town atmosphere.
- Many residents highlight the lack of thorough traffic, parking, and infrastructure studies, advocating for comprehensive impact assessments and safer, alternative sites for housing development to prevent economic and social disruption.
- Instead of using parking lots for housing, residents recommend preserving existing parking, developing structured garages, and reimagining downtown with urban revitalization plans, pedestrian zones, and better urban design to sustain local businesses and community vitality.
- Numerous community members express frustration over insufficient outreach, perceived manipulation of surveys, and rushed procedures for approving housing projects. They call for greater transparency, community involvement, and exploration of alternative sites.
- Residents suggest other locations for affordable housing, such as Civic Center sites, vacant lots, or underutilized areas like Flood Park and Veterans Administration land, emphasizing the need for better planning and less disruptive options.
- Many residents are concerned that losing parking and increasing density will erode downtown’s charm, hurt local businesses, and turn Menlo Park into a high-density suburb, urging careful planning to preserve its identity.
- Supporters advocate for improved public transit, bike, and pedestrian infrastructure, including dedicated fields and development of underground parking, to reduce car dependence and support urban livability.
- Community voices call for detailed legal reviews, impact studies, and transparent decision processes, including public hearings and proper site assessments, before approving changes to public land designations.
- Several comments highlight the risk of overbuilding, gentrification, and community disintegration, advocating for balanced development, urban revitalization strategies, and the importance of preserving Menlo Park's small-town character.
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