July 2024 Newsletter

320 Sheridan Drive Housing Project

Earlier this year the developer of 320 Sheridan Drive submitted plans to the city that propose 88 below market rate units on the former Flood school site. The city has set up a webpage for the project where residents can learn more information about it. While the project is relying on state provisions, I’m supportive of a review process that will include local public hearings. It’s important to note that the plans submitted by the developer only include full access to the project via Sheridan Drive.

Dissolution of East Palo Alto Sanitary District

Hundreds of district 2 residents have been impacted by San Mateo County’s Local Formation Commission recent vote to dissolve the East Palo Alto Sanitary District as an independent agency. The agency will become a subsidiary of the City of East Palo Alto. Menlo Park residents in the district will no longer have the ability to vote for the it’s board of directors. The City of East Palo Alto is establishing an advisory committee to advise the East Palo Alto City Council on sanitary district matters including customer service and rates. In discussions that have included staff and elected leaders from both cities, there is support for the inclusion of Menlo Park representation on this advisory committee. In the months ahead, the Menlo Park City Council will review and vote on a process for appointing a Menlo Park representative to the committee.

November 2024 City Elections

In November Menlo Park residents in Districts 3 and 5 will elect new representatives to the city council. Only residents in those districts will get to vote in council elections this year. The next election for the city council member representing District 2, which includes the Willows, Flood Triangle, Suburban Park and Lorelei Manor neighborhoods, will take place in November 2026. The seats representing Districts 1 and 4 will also be up at that time. You can learn more about this year’s city council elections on the city’s council election webpage. Additionally, the election in November will provide residents across the city with the opportunity to vote on an increase to the city’s transient occupancy tax from 12% to 15.5%. Residents can learn more about the measure here and on this city webpage.

Upcoming Community Events

• National Night Out on August 6 from 5pm to 9pm - Cafe Zoe will again host a National Night Out event. In addition to visits from public safety officials, there will be food trucks, live music, a bounce house and the Kona Ice truck.

• Summer Concert Series - The city’s summer concert series kicked off at Fremont Park on July 10. In addition to Fremont Park, upcoming concerts will be hosted at Kelly Park. Additional details are on the city’s website.

Community Office Hours

Community office hours take place every Saturday from 9am to 10am at Cafe Zoe in the Willows. Additionally, you can also schedule a meeting by emailing [email protected] or calling 650-924-1890.

Photo from around the District