Happy New Year!

We’ve reached over 1,600 signatures (and counting) asking City Council to reconsider the plan to use 3 downtown parking lots for housing.

But City staff seems to be doubling down, as they have renamed their site from "Downtown Housing" to "Downtown Development" - menlopark.gov/downtowndevelopment

City staff has pushed hard for this plan. And the State has approved it. So it is unlikely City Council will change course unless there is overwhelming political pressure.

That means you need to be a voice and a face – not just a number.

Here’s what you can do:

1.        Add the 6pm Jan. 14 City Council meeting to your calendar. Arrive early so we can make our presence known in advance. (And because seats will fill up.)

2.        If you haven’t done so yet, send a public message to city.council@menlopark.gov. If you would prefer for the housing to be at the Civic Center instead of in the downtown parking lots, let them know.

3.        If you’re a Menlo Park resident, reach out to the council member for your district, even just to ask questions. Office hours are listed here. Be friendly - we all want to be on the same side. Betsy Nash (District 3) is holding special office hours this Saturday, Jan 4, from 1-3pm at Fremont Park.

4.        Keep sharing SaveDowntownMenlo.org and GoMenlo.com

5.        If you have some extra time or resources that you’d like to put towards this effort, please email savedowntownmenlo@gmail.com

Good luck,
SaveDowntownMenlo.org