It's time for the decision-makers to take a first look at what residents have said they hope to see in Menlo Park's M2 industrial district, when the City Council and Planning Commission hold a joint study session tonight (March 31).
The city is in the middle of updating its general plan, which provides the overall "constitution" for development standards, land uses and transportation in Menlo Park, with a particular focus on the M2, the area roughly bordered by the San Francisco Bay, University Avenue, U.S. 101 and Marsh Road.
In a series of workshops and surveys asking what they'd like to see in the M2, community members singled out public services such as a grocery store and possibly a second train station. They also suggested allowing buildings of two to six stories, with retail at ground level.
The zoning changes recommended by the general plan advisory committee could allow up to 2.5 million square feet of non-residential buildings beyond what is currently allowed, according to the staff report, along with:
■ Approximately 4,500 new housing units.
■ Approximately 5,300 new jobs.
■ Approximately 600 new hotel rooms.
The committee emphasized that infrastructure upgrades and benefits to the community must be part of allowing new development.
More information is available on the city's ConnectMenlo page.
Tonight's regular meeting starts at 7 p.m. following a closed session. It will be held in the council chambers at the Civic Center at 701 Laurel St. and streamed live online.
