If approved, this measure would:
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Block the City of Menlo Park’s plan to create affordable homes downtown
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Block much-needed improvements to downtown parking
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Require a citywide election for any future improvements to downtown parking lots
Menlo Park is one of the most expensive communities in the country. Teachers, caregivers, firefighters, city staff, and emergency responders struggle to afford housing locally. Every day, it gets harder to afford a home. The next generation deserves the chance to stay in the communities they grew up in.
In nearby communities, adding housing downtown has increased foot traffic and strengthened local businesses. The City of Menlo Park plans to replace surface lots with modern garages, improve bike and pedestrian access, and add affordable homes above to make downtown more accessible for families, seniors, and people with disabilities. This initiative would block these plans.
The proposed measure would also:
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Interfere with the City’s decision-making process related to City-owned downtown parking lot properties - including selling, leasing, authorizing housing, or constructing improvements.
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Conflict with state law and require Menlo Park taxpayers to foot the bill to defend the initiative, including endless appeals in court no matter the merits of the case.
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Risk losing local control of our own land use decisions by eliminating the only site in the city’s plan for affordable homes that is located within walking distance to transit, in the high performing school district, and available for development in the next five years.
Ask Questions, Share Feedback and Learn More
Please contact:
Evelyn Stivers
Executive Director, Housing Leadership Council
Karen Grove
Co-founder, Menlo Together
June Shin
Menlo Park Community Builder, Housing Leadership