Many residents have reached out to me since learning of the proposed “Builder’s Remedy” project at the former Sunset Magazine site at 80 Willow Road. I understand how worried people are about the prospect of multiple high-rise buildings along the creek at the corner of Middlefield and Willow. As I stated in this newsletter and in the press (see below), I share many of your concerns. I find the proposed project outrageously out of scale from what is reasonable. The City Council has worked hard to designate sites for housing development throughout the City during the Housing Element process, and rezoned land to enable that development. This project is completely inconsistent with what we had planned.
I realize that there are many questions about the Builder’s Remedy and this project. The City of Menlo Park has a FAQ on its Housing Element webpage to address some of them. You can find this at https://menlopark.gov/housingelement. Please scroll to the bottom of the page to the red accordion tab labeled “Frequently asked questions”. Within that tab, there are a number of FAQs. The tab “Has the City received any project applications which assert to be filed under the Builder’s Remedy” contains information related to 80 Willow Road.
While I understand the desire for the City to “do something” about this project right now, it is important that the City not interfere with the project applicant’s due process rights. There is a process that must be followed, and there are still many unknowns. As covered in the City's FAQ, the City has not yet received a formal development application, so there are no next steps for this project right now. I recognize how uncomfortable and unsatisfying this is. Please know that I feel a huge responsibility to act thoughtfully and carefully, about this project, and about all things City-related. Thank you again for trusting me in this role.
