February 2026 Newsletter

Council Sets Timeline for Selection of Downtown Parking Lots Proposal

At its February 10 meeting, a majority of the city council supported a timeline to select a developer for the three downtown parking lots in April or May. However, I opposed this timeline because the council's authority to repurpose these lots will be on the November ballot. My stance is that the developer selection should be paused until after the November referendum.

Some council members argued that waiting until November would cause too much delay. Yet, the council itself controls the timing of the vote. When offered the option of an earlier special election for the referendum, they objected. At that time, I was the only council member who expressed some support for an earlier special election. To be clear, I am in favor of developers sharing project information with the council and the public. I simply oppose selecting a preferred proposal before the upcoming referendum.

Pause in Project Likely Unavoidable

Furthermore, proceeding as if the referendum isn't a factor ignores a crucial reality: even if the council selects a preferred proposal, the developer is unlikely to commit significant funds or resources until the referendum's uncertainty is resolved. A pause in the process is probably inevitable at some point. In my opinion, continuing now could be perceived by some in the community as validating concerns that the council intends to disregard a referendum result that might strip its authority.

You can learn more about the timeline in this staff report.

SamTrans Begins Outreach for Dumbarton Rapid Bus Lane Proposal

The San Mateo County Transit District, SamTrans, has launched public outreach to reimagine the unused Dumbarton freight railroad corridor. This railway borders approximately 75 homes in Menlo Park's District 2 (from Lorelei Manor to Suburban Park), entering the district at Marsh Road and exiting at Highway 101. Beyond Highway 101, the line continues through Menlo Park's District 1 (Belle Haven).

This current effort follows more ambitious past proposals that envisioned a commuter rail line crossing the bay. The current project aims to deliver fast, reliable, zero-emission bus service and improved infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians in Southeast San Mateo County communities, including Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, North Fair Oaks, Redwood City, and Atherton.

SamTrans' outreach has so far included community meetings and "pop-ups" at local events, such as the Menlo Park Farmers Market. According to SamTrans staff, this initial engagement phase focuses on understanding current travel habits, transportation challenges, and barriers along the corridor.

You can find upcoming event details on the project's website. I am currently working with SamTrans staff to organize an event specifically for District 2 residents and will share more information once details are finalized.

Price Tag for Middle Avenue Under-crossing Hits $60 Million

At its January 27 meeting, the city council held a study session on the Middle Avenue Bike and Pedestrian Under-crossing project. The effort to construct a bike/pedestrian path beneath the Caltrain line in Menlo Park is decades old. This current iteration, with its design 35% complete, was initially estimated to cost no more than $35 million. However, the most recent cost projections indicate the final figure could exceed $60 million.

Despite the lack of full project funding, a majority of the city council expressed support for completing the design phase, which itself will come in at over $7 million.

To say the new $60 million total caused "sticker shock" would be an understatement. This project represents one of the most significant potential improvements to the city's bike and pedestrian infrastructure. However, it's crucial for the council to be transparent with residents: the prospects of state and federal funding sources closing this gap are grim. This means completing the project will likely depend on Menlo Park residents approving a bond issuance totaling tens of millions of dollars. This item will return to the council later this year for further direction.

Latest Development News Across the City

The first two months of 2026 have brought significant updates on proposed real estate developments across the city: 

• Former USGS Campus - Presidio Bay Ventures, owner of the former United States Geological Survey (USGS) campus at 345 Middlefield Road, recently shared plans for a mixed-use project on the site. Their proposal includes 670 residential units (across three buildings), 740,000 square feet of office space (320,000 of which would be net new), 40,000 square feet of retail, a 15,000 square-foot childcare center, and approximately three acres of publicly accessible open space. (Disclosure: My wife chairs the board of GeoKids, an early childhood education center operating on the campus.)

• Former Sunset Magazine Campus (80 Willow Road) - The ongoing back-and-forth between the developer and the city continues for this project, which is being proposed under the state’s Builder's Remedy provision. To recap, this development, situated along San Francisquito Creek, involves over 1.5 million square feet across four primary buildings, with the tallest reaching 450 feet. The historically significant former Sunset Magazine headquarters, which currently occupies the site, would be demolished. City staff maintains that the project is subject to environmental review requirements. While the developer's stance on these requirements is unclear, they are obligated to fund the review but have not yet deposited the necessary funds for it to begin.

• SRI Campus/Parkline - In September, the city council reviewed and approved the development proposed for the SRI campus. At that time, proposals called for as many as 800 market-rate and affordable housing units, alongside roughly 1 million square feet of office space. My understanding is that updates to the proposal will likely result in an increase in the number of housing units.

District 2 Office Hours and Community Notes

• Community Office Hours continue every Saturday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at  Neighborhood Pizza Guy/Café Zoë in the Willows neighborhood. Please drop by to share your thoughts on city matters, ask questions, or simply say hello! While appointments aren't necessary, feel free to message or email me beforehand if you plan to attend.

• Community Notes - Refer to the links below for additional information on the return of the gymnastics program, the upcoming city council workshop, and the process for applying to a city commission.