Revitalizing Downtown
Protecting the parking plazas doesn't mean accepting downtown's current condition.
There's much the City could do to enhance the downtown so that it grows and develops:
Long Overdue Maintenance: The downtown has been neglected. Signage is faded, lighting poor, planters are barren, garbage is not maintained, and the parking lots badly need repaving and striping.
End Vacancies through Flexible Zoning: The restrictive "retail-only" zoning on Santa Cruz Ave. keeps many storefronts empty. We can loosen these rules to allow a broader variety of businesses to move in, creating a more resilient and diverse downtown.
Public Space Improvements & Beautification: Better landscaping, improved parklets, shaded public seating, more art installations, helpful wayfinding, etc.
These simple, practical steps will enhance the downtown experience and strengthen our local businesses. Stronger businesses will attract further investment, and our downtown will flourish.
Our Downtown Deserves a Better Plan
Related Guest Opinions in the Almanac:
Downtown Menlo Park – there’s a lot to lose
Leadership is real problem downtown