Affordable housing is the hot topic in Menlo Park right now. As the city tries to figure out where to add to its inventory of below-market-rate housing, one commission is set to consider two sites on Wednesday, Sept. 5.

The Housing Commission will discuss whether to recommend that the city allow two developers to pay in-lieu fees instead of building affordable units in the M2 industrial district.

The fees for 20 Kelly Court total $74,497 and for 1035 O'Brien Drive, $53,763.

Both sites are currently zoned for commercial rather than residential buildings, disallowing affordable housing on those properties, although that might change after the housing element update is finished. According to staff, the developers don't own lots elsewhere in Menlo Park that are appropriate for off-site construction of the units.

Go here to review the agenda. The commission plans to meet on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 5:30 p.m. in the main conference room in the administration building at the Civic Center (701 Laurel St.).

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