LETTERS LETTERS (December 24, 2003)

Finally, an updated zoning ordinance

Editor:

After over four years of work by the City Council and dozens of involved citizens, Menlo Park has finally introduced an update to its residential zoning ordinance.

While these new building rules strike a reasonable balance between the interests of individual homeowners and those of the community at large, there is a great deal of misinformation being spread by those opposed to these changes. It is alarming that some of this fear-mongering is coming from members of our own Planning Commission.

Contrary to the claims of opponents, the new ordinance is not radical. Like the new ordinance, the rules in many other communities require that smaller projects be approved based on objective rules, while larger projects require additional review with the participation of neighbors.

The new rules will resolve the inequity of the current rules, where projects are reviewed solely based on their location on an arbitrarily defined "substandard" lot. Projects on all lots will now undergo neighbor review unless they are built to smaller standards than are currently allowed.

To address the concerns of residents who may desire different rules for their neighborhood, the new ordinance provides a process to create a neighborhood zoning overlay, with the concurrence of a supermajority of neighbors. One Menlo Park neighborhood implemented unique rules a few years ago, and the new ordinance formalizes this option.

The City Council introduced this ordinance with a provision that a monitoring committee report back to the council in six months, and the city staff has been instructed to immediately report any problems that may arise.

This ordinance is reasonable, moderate and long overdue. The city will benefit if the opponents will set aside their campaign of falsehoods and give the new rules a chance to work.

Frank Tucker

Politzer Drive, Menlo Park

New zoning promotes selfish ethic Editor:

A major feature of what has long made Menlo Park a favorable place to live has been its neighborliness.

Residents have cared about each other and regarded each other with respect, even amidst differences of view.

Adoption of the revised residential development rules promoted by City Council member Mickie Winkler promises to infect us with a new self-centered ethic -- I've got mine, buddy, and good luck to you. This can only jeopardize the livability of our community.

The system for permitting remodels and rebuilds that has existed has worked. When my next-door neighbor sought my approval of a tasteful rebuild that added a second story, but did not intrude unduly on my space, I gave it readily. Tear-downs and major rebuilds appear not to have been impeded; I can count seven currently in construction within a two-block radius of my home.

What ain't broke shouldn't require fixing.

James R. Madison

Holly Avenue, Menlo Park

Wrong-way kids on bikes a real hazard

Editor:

I applaud the Menlo Park kids' bike-safety campaign reported in last week's Almanac.

In addition to "making sure young bicyclists are wearing helmets, using lights at night, and riding bicycles with working brakes," the campaign needs to address the serious safety hazard of youngsters riding in the wrong way direction.

On the afternoon the article appeared, I was commuting by bike up Santa Cruz Avenue toward Alameda de las Pulgas and encountered three youths riding down the street in the wrong direction (against the arrows in the bike lane) as they left Hillview School. One was even talking on a cell phone held in one hand, while steering with the other.

Wrong-way riding is a leading cause of bicycle accidents. Motorists entering onto Santa Cruz Avenue at a side-street intersection do not expect a bicyclist to suddenly appear from their right. An experienced cyclist riding in a bike lane does not know in what direction a wrong-way cyclist will steer to avoid collision when they meet.

Wrong-way cyclists violate the vehicle code and should be stopped and educated. Working together, parents, partners, schools and police can reduce the hazard of wrong-way cycling.

Bob Page

Woodside Road, Woodside

Shocked at quick passage of zoning law

Editor:

I was shocked and dismayed at our City Council's quick decision on changing the zoning developmental laws at the December 16 meeting.

Even though many people from the community who were knowledgeable about the issue spoke against it's passage on such quick notice, (including two council members), Mayor Lee Duboc and council members Mickie Winkler and Nicholas Jellins still voted it through without issue. Ms. Duboc and Mr. Jellins didn't even discuss it. It was curious that they put it on the agenda at the busiest time of the year, when it was difficult for people to attend.

This law will have a huge effect on our neighborhoods, as more and more monster homes go up with little or no say from neighbors. The character of this beautiful city will change, and we'll have our three self-serving council members to thank for it.

Amy Roleder Durham Street, Menlo Park

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