September 2025 Newsletter

Parkline to be reviewed at next City Council meeting

The city council is scheduled to review the Parkline development that is being proposed on the SRI campus at its meeting on September 30. The proposal calls for as many as 800 market rate and affordable housing units and roughly 1 million square feet of office space. Last month, the proposal was reviewed by the planning commission, which recommended that the city council certify the final environmental impact report and approve the project. This project represents one of the most monumental efforts to add to the city’s housing stock in recent history. And given its central location, it could set a standard for development in the city for decades to come.

Job-Housing Imbalance

While there is much to commend about the project, the significant office space component has raised concerns among some residents that it will do little to improve the city’s jobs-housing imbalance. The project has evolved, especially the housing component, since it was first proposed. A key aspect of the council discussion will focus on fully understanding the details of the office/commercial component in this latest iteration.

Pool operations to receive additional financial support

At the meeting on September 9, a majority of the City Council expressed support for providing additional financial assistance to Menlo Swim and Sport (also referred to as Team Sheeper), the operator of the city’s two pool facilities. Despite the tumult that has plagued the city council’s engagement with the operator, this represents the first time during this months-long process that a clear majority of the council has indicated a willingness to shore up the pool operations. In addition to providing direction to make funds available to ensure the ongoing viability of the pool operations, a council majority also expressed support for providing additional funds to increase the hours of operation.

Final Action at September 30 Meeting

The direction provided by the council during the September 9 meeting occurred as part of a study session on the topic so no official action was taken. To expedite a return to more normal operations for the pools, I’ve asked city staff to bring this back for final action as a consent calendar item at the September 30 meeting. During the September 9 meeting, the council also gave staff direction to explore changes to the operating model at the Belle Haven pool that would limit the services provided by Menlo Swim and Sport. A final decision on a change to the operating model for the Belle Haven pool would likely not occur until next year.

Sheridan Drive project proceeds to 2026 construction start

The affordable housing project proposed at 320 Sheridan Drive, which was the impetus behind a city-wide ballot measure and an aborted recall effort against me, is scheduled to break ground early next year. Since the project was last on the city council’s agenda in March 2025, there have been several developments. The project was awarded $4 million of CalFHA MIP funding and federal and state tax-exempt bonds. Alliant Communities, the developer of the project, has said that it expects to close financing and break ground in the first quarter of next year.

Background

This project is located between the Suburban Park and Flood Triangle neighborhoods on property once occupied by the Flood School. The property is owned by Ravenswood City School district, which teamed up with Alliant to build 88 housing units on the site. Employees of the school district will receive preference for the units. A key point of tension with the project is that the only access point is on Sheridan Drive. Some neighboring residents have advocated for the creation of a new point of access to the property from the Flood Triangle neighborhood side.

Woodland/Middlefield Pedestrian Improvements 

As the city begins to wrap up summer road resurfacing and improvements, I wanted to bring attention to the pedestrian improvements that have been made to the northeast and southeast corners of the Middlefield Road and Woodland Avenue intersection. This remains a vexing intersection for pedestrians and motorists. And given that this sits at the Menlo Park/Palo Alto border, Menlo Park won’t be able to solve it alone. But these pedestrian improvements represent “no-regrets” work and the plan is that they serve as the foundation for future improvements.

Around District 2: Marmona Drive block party

On September 6, I had the opportunity to join the residents of Marmona Drive and surrounding streets at their block block party. It was a great opportunity to mark the end of summer in the company of neighbors and friends. I especially enjoyed the talent show. Planning block parties can take a not unsubstantial amount of time and effort, but they provide immeasurable returns in the form of increased neighborliness and community connection. My hats off to all the neighborhoods and streets who hosted block parties this summer.

Upcoming Events

• Public Works Open House - The Public Works Department will host an open house on September 27. This is an especially fun and engaging event for kids who will be able to interact up close with some of the department’s large vehicles and equipment.

• State of the City Address – This year’s State of the City Address has been postponed. We’re still settling on a new date and location. Stay tuned.

• September/October Community Office Hours - My last Peet’s Coffee community office hours will take place on September 27. For all of October, I’ll return to Neighborhood Pizza Guy/Cafe Zoë. Office hour sessions are held every Saturday from 9 AM to 10 AM.