Help Set City Priorities
(Deadline: This Friday, March 6)
This just takes a minute.
The City of Menlo Park is setting its annual priorities and would like your input.
The feedback results will be published, creating a public record and press coverage - making it clear what the people of Menlo Park really want from city officials.
When leaving your feedback, rather than vague terms like “Downtown vibrancy”, “Climate action”, or “Housing” - consider leaving specific recommendations. For example:
Broaden Downtown Zoning to allow more community-serving businesses and fill vacancies.
Support the SamTrans Proposal for rapid, zero-emission bus service along the abandoned freight line connecting east Menlo Park to downtown Redwood City.
Explore Alternative Sites for low-income housing that don't jeopardize downtown businesses.
The form is short. Fill it out here or use the button below.
The deadline is this Friday, March 6th.
More About:
Downtown Zoning & New Bus Line
Broadening Downtown Zoning
The primary reason for downtown vacancies is the overly restrictive, retail-only zoning along the ground floor of Santa Cruz Avenue. Downtown Los Altos had the same vacancy problem, but when they broadened their zoning to all personal and community services, such as fitness studios, workshops, pet services, etc, their vacancies quickly filled. We can do the same. In fact, downtown property owners have submitted a proposal to do just this, but the City keeps postponing its review.
The New SamTrans Bus Line
For decades, the Dumbarton freight line connecting east Menlo Park with downtown Redwood City has gone unused. SamTrans, which owns that land, is proposing to use it for a zero-emission bus line, plus bicycle and pedestrian paths. The line would go from University Ave, past Meta, through Belle Haven, along Marsh Manor and Bohannon Office Park (a potential housing site), through North Fair Oaks, all the way to downtown Redwood City.
The proposal is a cost-effective way to improve transit for our community, and SamTrans will need help from Menlo Park, Atherton, and Redwood City to make it happen. Learn more about the plan here.