"Facing a proposed ballot measure that could block efforts to add more housing, the Menlo Park City Council on Tuesday laid out a timeline to advance a downtown parking lot development project of mostly affordable units. For the first time, city staff presented to the public a clear path for advancing the housing project, even as a November citizens initiative that could require voter approval for any future reductions in downtown parking threatens to derail it a point of contention between councilmembers during the meeting."
"Although the agenda item was presented as an informational update, Councilmember Drew Combs argued that by asking staff to prepare reports and recommend a preferred developer, the council was effectively making a decision through the back door before voters could weigh in on the November referendum. I generally am opposed to the idea of council giving direction on a particular proposal before the referendum, Combs said."
"I think it's very important for us to continue on this path, fully realizing that any decision by the voters will certainly impact the project, Nash said. If the referendum passes, then absolutely the city will need to backtrack. But I believe there are a lot of reasons to move forward."
Menlo Park officials outlined a timeline to advance redevelopment of three downtown parking plazas into a mostly affordable housing project. City staff presented a clear path to move the project forward while a November citizens' initiative could require voter approval for any reductions in downtown parking, potentially halting the effort. Council debate centered on whether staff direction and developer selection amounted to preemptive action before a referendum. Opponents warned that temporary or permanent loss of hundreds of parking spaces would harm longtime businesses and deter visitors. Housing advocates said the redevelopment is necessary to address the city's housing shortage.
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