Friends of Downtown Menlo Park,

The City is asking the public to review the RFQ submissions and provide feedback using this form.

Please do that! Even if you’ve contacted the City before, it’s important to chime in again now that there are actual submissions from developers. Our opponents are going to be sending in glowing reviews, and City staff will count up the number of comments on each side.

Some things to consider regarding the submissions:

• Replacement of public parking would either be consolidated into large parking structures or will involve “flex” systems where public parking spaces are shared with residents (you’d need to get a store voucher to avoid paying the parking fee). And the total number of public parking spaces would be less than the current 556.
• The amount of proposed parking for residents is significantly below standard. (The developers do not need to follow normal parking requirements for residents because it’s affordable housing is near the train station.) The proposals go as low as .45 spaces per unit! Residents who are not given a parking space will still have cars, and so they will use the public parking and the streets.
• There are several instances where developers say that the source of funding is unclear. Are you as a taxpayer willing to fill in the gaps?
• These submissions are just initial pitches in hopes of making the short list of chosen developers. Once chosen, it is likely that their proposals will become even more onerous to the people of Menlo Park

But read the submissions for yourself and see what you think. Then tell Council using this form.

Thank you,
Save Downtown Menlo

P.S. Tomorrow, Saturday April 12th, there is a downtown-wide Spring Cleaning Sale where 17 stores will be having sales! There’s a map so you can walk from shop to shop. Our downtown businesses are being put through the wringer - so please come and support them.