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Letter: Downtown parking garage would scare off shoppers

To the City Council members: I own property in Menlo Park. One of my buildings is contiguous to the present airy and tree lined parking area that occupies three blocks in the center of Menlo Park's commercial district. One of my buildings, at University Drive and Santa Cruz Avenue, will lie in the brooding shadow cast by the recently proposed five-level parking structure. Where there is now light there will be darkness.

With its interior darkness and hiding places, this monolithic structure will create an opportunity for desperate or evil intentioned folk to prey upon others. Our citizens will become targets of opportunity.

I have enclosed clippings that illustrate a recent murder in a Santa Rosa parking garage and monies lost due to Redwood City's under-utilized parking garage.

Here in Petaluma a one and a half-story parking garage is underused at night because drivers only park close to the exits due to the need for rapid escape.

The key to bringing money to the city is economic vitality, not temporary jobs and construction fees. Please do not ruin our lovely town. Let people who do not wish to see sunshine and trees while shopping arm themselves and shop in Redwood City where there is presently a parking garage.

Please allow Menlo Park to keep its character. Vote no on the proposed five-level parking garage.

Lindsay M. Mickles, Petaluma

Menlo Park property owner for 40-plus years and supporter of Menlo Park (40+ years). Owner of 1150-1162 University Dr., 661 Live Oak Ave., 530 Oak Grove Ave.