DOWNTOWN PARKING LOTS, SURPLUS LAND
http://savedowntownmenlo.org
Menlo Park , CA 94025
Here’s the worst-case scenario if downtown parking lots are declared “exempt surplus land” and a developer takes advantage of California housing laws like SB 35, the Density Bonus Law, and transit-oriented development incentives:
1. High-Density, Tall Buildings
• Up to 10 Stories: Using state Density Bonus Law, developers could request waivers for height limits, allowing buildings much taller than what’s typically permitted under the downtown specific plan.
• Increased Density: The developer could include far more units than the specific plan allows, as the density bonus provides flexibility to exceed local limits.
2. No Parking Requirements
• Proximity to Public Transit: Because the lots are within 0.5 miles of the train station, state law (SB 35 and Density Bonus Law) allows developers to provide zero parking spaces for residential units.
• Impact: This could lead to hundreds of additional cars from residents and visitors parking on nearby streets, overwhelming current parking infrastructure and congesting downtown.
3. Minimal Affordable Housing
• 25% Affordable Units: The developer could meet the minimum requirement for low and very low-income housing by including just 25% affordable units, with the remaining 75% as market-rate or luxury housing.
• Reduced Public Benefit: The low proportion of affordable housing means the project may not significantly address the city’s housing crisis but still bypasses local zoning and planning rules.
4. No Adherence to the Downtown Specific Plan
• Overrides of Local Standards: Developers could request waivers for local design, aesthetic, and functional requirements, leading to:
• Buildings that do not align with Menlo Park’s character or architectural standards.
• Elimination of setbacks, open spaces, or community-serving amenities required by the specific plan.
• Impact: The development could clash with the town’s charm and disrupt the functionality of downtown.
5. Permanent Loss of Public Land
• Free Transfer to Developers: Once declared surplus, the land is offered at little or no cost to developers. Even if the project is delayed or altered, the community loses control over this valuable public resource permanently.
• Future Flexibility Lost: The land could have been used for a community-focused project, parking, or other needs.
6. Long-Term Community Disruption
• Traffic Congestion: Increased density without parking exacerbates traffic problems downtown, affecting residents, businesses, and visitors.
• Loss of Business Appeal: Limited parking and construction disruptions could drive customers away from local businesses, harming the downtown economy.
• Strained Infrastructure: Water, sewer, and utility systems may struggle to handle the higher density without significant upgrades, adding hidden costs.
The Bigger Picture
Declaring these parking lots as surplus land opens the door to developer-driven projects that prioritize profits over community needs. The worst-case scenario undermines the city’s ability to control downtown development, worsens traffic and accessibility, and fails to meet the housing crisis in a meaningful way.
This scenario highlights the risks of rushing to declare these lots surplus without a clear plan or community safeguards in place.
Vasile Oros Owner
Ace Hardware Santa Cruz Ave Menlo Park
Vasile Oros Downtown Menlo Park
https://nextdoor.com/profile/01bhkfr8T3RrydmZr/
Vasile Oros Mon Dec 8 2024
DOWNTOWN PARKING LOTS, SURPLUS LAND
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