October 2024 Newsletter

Coleman-Ringwood Avenues: Council Study Session

This month the city council held a study session to review and provide direction on proposals to improve bike and pedestrian safety on Coleman Avenue. The council voted unanimously to send the San Mateo Board of Supervisors a letter expressing support for a one-way pilot proposal. Additionally, the city council gave staff direction to explore the implementation of measures on the city section of the street including 1) a stop sign at the Coleman-Santa Monica intersection, 2) speed humps, 3) the creation of a bike lane and 4) removal of parking on one side of the street. Hopefully with this effort, we’ll finally begin to address safety concerns for this key route for students. These items will come before council for a formal vote next year. You can learn more about the project on the city’s website.

80 Willow Road Development Application Rejected Again

The city’s planning staff has again rejected the 80 Willow Road development application for incompleteness. The expectation is that the developer will submit a revised application. If the application is eventually deemed complete by city staff, it does not represent an approval of the project but initiates a phase that will include an environmental impact analysis. To recap, a formal development application was initially submitted in May. The project is being submitted under the state’s Builder’s Remedy provision. In June, the city deemed that application incomplete citing in part the SB 330 Housing Project Checklist. You can learn more about the project on the city’s website.

Oversized Vehicle Ordinance

The agenda for the November 12th city council meeting will likely include a first reading of a proposed oversized vehicle ordinance. The ordinance will provide the city with additional options to address oversized vehicles that remain parked in the same location for extended periods of time. The city is also focused on ensuring those that are housing insecure are aware of all their options for assistance and support.

Measure U and Measure CC

A reminder that ballots for Menlo Park District 2 residents include 2 funding measures. I support both of these measures.

• Measure U is a bond measure to provide Menlo Park City School District (MPCSD) with funding for seismic-related building improvements, new security systems, upgraded fire alarms and the installation of new air conditioning systems.

• Measure CC offers 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 Measure CC on the city’s webpage.

Scenes from around the city

This month, I had the honor of attending a swearing-in ceremony for the city’s police department. I also had the pleasure of attending Suburban Park’s 17th Annual Chili Cook Off and kicking off the city’s Halloween Hoopla.

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.