We, the undersigned, urge Menlo Park’s City Council, Planning Commission, and State and County leaders to oppose the proposed skyscraper development at 80 Willow Road, which exploits the builder’s remedy provision to bypass local zoning regulations, and to support legislation preventing similar overdevelopment. Additionally, we demand a full Environmental Impact Report.

KEY CONCERNS

1) Incompatible with the Neighborhood

• This hyper-urban project would place three high-rise buildings as tall as 39 stories into a neighborhood of single and two-story homes and offices, in sharp contrast to the largely residential character of Menlo Park and surrounding cities. 
• The proposal is not part of Menlo Park’s state-approved housing plan. 

2) Worsened Traffic and Congestion

• Traffic to and from this development would overwhelm an already congested commuter corridor along Willow and Middlefield Roads, with inevitable spillover to Marsh Road, Bay Road, and University Avenue. 
• Increased congestion threatens emergency response times, fire safety, and evacuation routes. Added vehicular traffic would increase pollution, as well as safety risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

3) Deepen the Housing Deficit

• This project creates far more jobs than housing, deepening Menlo Park’s existing housing deficit.

CALLS TO ACTION

We demand that Menlo Park’s City Council, Planning Commission, and County and State leaders:

✅ Reject this oversized project.

✅ Support legislation to prevent similar overdevelopment.

✅ Require a full Environmental Impact Report.

Menlo Park must prioritize thoughtful, responsible development that aligns with our community’s needs and values.