Menlo Watch: Opinions sought on parking garages Menlo Watch: Opinions sought on parking garages (September 29, 2004)

The ongoing questions of whether, how and where to build parking garages in downtown Menlo Park will return to the City Council chambers on Tuesday, September 21.

That's when representatives from consultant Watry Design Inc. in Redwood City will seek public input as part of a parking-garage study they're doing.

One of the main questions at hand is "where," so the consultants hope that residents will talk about their experiences parking downtown and give opinions on which parking plaza to build a structure in, Watry principal Michelle Wendler said.

More public meetings on the matter will be held later, she said. The $45,000 study commissioned this summer by the council will also include developing design concepts and doing some initial environmental study.

Many merchants have long yearned for more parking, but concerns have been raised over the cost of garages and whether they would match the feel of the small downtown.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the chambers at 801 Laurel St. The council meeting scheduled for that night has been canceled.

Free compost for Menlo residents

Free compost will be available to Menlo Park residents on Saturday, October 9, at 9 a.m., when the BFI garbage and recycling company will deposit a large pile of compost just inside the entrance to Bayfront Park.

Residents can help themselves and should bring shovels and containers to the park, located at Bayfront Expressway and Marsh Road. The compost comes from recycled yard trimmings from the curbside collection program. An additional compost date will be scheduled for November, city officials said.

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