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In a joint letter, Menlo Park Mayor Betsy Nash and Save Downtown Menlo proponent Alex Beltramo call for civility in the discourse surrounding Measure P, a citizen initiative that would prevent the city from making significant changes to its downtown parking lots without voter approval.
Editor,
As the election approaches and Menlo Park voters prepare to weigh in on Measure P, we — Betsy Nash and Alex Beltramo (who hold opposite views on Measure P) — want to express our hope that in these final weeks of the campaign, advocates pro and con will be respectful and constructive in sharing their opinions, without animosity. While we have differing opinions on Measure P, we both wish Menlo Park to thrive for residents and for local businesses.
Going forward, and regardless of the outcome on Measure P, we hope all our friends and neighbors will commit themselves to working together for a Menlo Park that shares this vision.
— Betsy Nash, mayor of Menlo Park, and Alex Beltramo, proponent of Measure P.
Many, many, many, many locations here in NorCal for new apartments. Acres and acres of vacant office space (40%?) . El Camino is littered with shuttered Retail. Why must we destroy existing businesses and neighborhoods? Maybe some of us are just making a point???
I do believe the City has already lost the trust of voters and unfortunately Mayor Nash has contributed much to our current intensely divisive political environment. To learn more visit: https://mpcdforum.com/voters-cannot-trust-the-menlo-park-city-council-to-fairly-and-competently-represent-them/
With all due respect, how does building affordable housing on city-owned property in the middle of our commercial district “destroy exiting businesses and neighborhoods”? Those in favor of Measure P seem to think that a vibrant Menlo Park is just around the corner if we keep things exactly the way they are. Sadly, the status quo will be the death of our downtown. Building more housing means there will be more people downtown, and more people downtown means there will be more business downtown. Empty parking lots are not the solution–vote no on Measure P!
Sorry David but building low and very low income housing (affordable is a misnomer) in our downtown will not supply our businesses with customers. By definition they don’t have the disposable income to shop there. The construction process which, by my estimation as a construction professional, will take two to three years if there are no delays and the weather doesn’t cause too many other delays. That’s two to three years of limited parking, limited access and two to three years people are going to go where it is more convenient. THAT is what will push existing businesses toward having to close. So, building low and very low income housing downtown does NOTHING to help the downtown.
Beltramo doesn’t think downtown Menlo Park is for people who live in Menlo Park. We “congest” it with our “lounging about.” He thinks it’s for people “from far away.” Feb 15, 2022 letter from Alex Beltramo to City Council. https://menlo-park.hiago.app/emails/130282
What’s the definition of “respectful discourse”? I’d define it as telling the truth.
MP Resident – Your above comment is one of the most disingenuous ones I have seen on the Almanac and a prime example of what Alex and Betsy were referring to in their letter.
Why can’t you make constructive contributions to the political debate about Measure P?
Dana, These are exact quotes from Beltramo and directly on point, and are indicative of his motives. You don’t offer a counterpoint, you simply attack that I’m offering these facts into evidence, while at the same time, blaming Nash in your post, but without the benefit of any actual receipts.