Menlo Watch: Sand Hill hotel: environmental report now available Menlo Watch: Sand Hill hotel: environmental report now available (February 01, 2006)

The public has until March 16 to comment on the draft environmental impact report (EIR) for a proposed 265,000-square-foot hotel and office complex off Sand Hill Road.

Stanford University and Dallas-based Rosewood Hotels and Resorts are teaming up to construct the 120-room hotel and its five extended-stay villas. Plans also include a fitness center and a restaurant.

The project is planned for the vacant site near the Sand Hill Road/Interstate 280 intersection.

The draft EIR is available for review at the main library and the Community Development Department. The report is also available online. Go to menlopark.org, choose the "Community Development Projects" option, and select "2825 Sand Hill Road" from the list of projects.
Budget workshops approaching

Community workshops will be held in February where Menlo Park residents can recommend how to cut city services and/or increase fees and taxes to help balance the city's budget.

Residents will break up into small groups called "mini-City Councils." Facilitators are needed to lead each group.

Workshops will be held at the following times and locations, with child care and translators available onsite:

** Thursday, February 9, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Belle Haven School cafeteria, 414 Ivy Drive.

** Saturday, February 11, from 9 a.m. to noon at Burgess Recreation Center, 701 Laurel St.

** Wednesday, February 15, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at La Entrada School, Jensen Hall, 2200 Sharon Road.

To learn more about the workshops, or to volunteer to be a workshop facilitator, call 330-6646, or e-mail: menloparkbudget@menlopark.org.
Commission vacancy

The city of Menlo Park is accepting applications for a term on the Planning Commission that ends in April.

The vacancy was created by Matt Henry's resignation several weeks ago.

Because the term is unusually short, the City Council is likely to allow the term to continue until April 2008 without asking the new commissioner to seek reappointment, said Mayor Nicholas Jellins.

The application deadline is February 15 at 5:30 p.m. Submit applications to the city clerk's office at the Civic Center between Alma and Laurel streets.

For more information go to menlopark.org.
Council to discuss redevelopment area

The Menlo Park City Council will discuss a study that examines potential expansion of the redevelopment project area into the Bohannon Industrial Park/Tyco area at its meeting on Tuesday, January 31.

In order for an area to be included in the redevelopment area, it must show signs of economic and physical blight, said Community Development Director Arlinda Heineck in a staff report.

Ms. Heineck's report says there are "stagnant property values, business vacancies and low lease rates" -- all signs of financial blight. But there are very few signs of physical blight, which includes unsafe working conditions or incompatible buildings.

The council authorized the study in setting its priorities for the 2004-05 and 2005-06 fiscal years.

The council meets at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at the Civic Center, between Alma and Laurel streets.

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