"The Menlo Park City Council on Tuesday moved forward with a plan to study a measure that would give voters the power to approve or block redevelopment of city-owned parking lots for affordable housing after enough signatures were gathered to require the issue be put on the ballot. Once the study is complete, the council could ultimately adopt the initiative for voter approval outright or give voters the decision to do so through a special election or on the November 2026 ballot."
"The ballot effort stems from a city plan targeting three downtown parking lots for redevelopment, proposing to replace 556 public spaces with at least 345 affordable housing units. Six developers have been invited to submit proposals by Dec. 15. The housing proposal has divided the community. Opponents argue that reducing downtown parking would hurt longtime businesses and limit accessibility, while housing advocates say the project is essential to addressing the region's growing needs."
Menlo Park officials authorized a study of an initiative that would require voter approval before repurposing city-owned parking lots for affordable housing. The initiative reached 3,440 signatures, exceeding 10% of registered voters and prompting county verification. The city plan targets three downtown lots, proposing removal of 556 public spaces and creation of at least 345 affordable units, with six developers invited to submit proposals by Dec. 15. Urban planning firm M-Group will analyze fiscal impacts, housing element consistency, land use, housing supply, infrastructure funding, local business effects and potential impacts on state housing goals. The study will cost about $164,000 and must be completed in 30 days. Supporters seek resident approval for land repurposing; opponents warn of parking loss and business harm.
Read at The Mercury News
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