"The shelter was originally envisioned as a tunnel under the Caltrain tracks to connect two neighborhoods for bicyclists and pedestrians. But seeing how homeless people always set up tents in and adjacent to such tunnels, the purpose of this $62 million project has changed. Once the homeless move in, the police won't do anything about it. They don't want activists accusing them of ... well ... fill in the blank with this week's label."
"You might think it's crazy that the city is going to spend $62 million on this shelter/tunnel, but the rest of the city is in great shape these days. The city has built all of the affordable housing necessary, the streets are free of potholes, the sidewalks are well repaired, retailers have more customers than they can imagine, and city employees are receiving pay way beyond their peers in other communities. So, sure, let's splurge and build this homeless shelter."
Menlo Park City Council committed $62 million and authorized $7.4 million to start construction of a homeless shelter beneath the Caltrain tracks at Middle Avenue connecting Alma Street and El Camino Real. The project was originally planned as a bicycle and pedestrian tunnel but was repurposed because homeless people often set up tents in similar tunnels. The plan anticipates that once occupants move in the police will not remove them, and local residents express safety concerns about walking through the tunnel. New, higher-quality tents have become common at encampments statewide. The decision is criticized as an expensive priority despite claims of adequate local housing and city maintenance.
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