Dear Mr. Rogers and Members of the City Council,
 
My name is Kathy Kwan. My husband and I moved into the Vintage Oaks
neighborhood almost two years ago. I am writing on behalf of my
personal friends, Sharon and Bob Hasslen, who recently applied for a use
permit

 

As a Menlo Park homeowner and taxpayer, I am concerned that overturning
their use permit will establish a difficult precedent for the city.
Two years ago, I was willing to pay significant premiums to live in
Menlo Park. I assumed making planned improvements would be relatively
straightforward. As I toured the Allied Arts and Bay Laurel
neighborhoods, there were numerous examples of new and renovated homes.


 

The Hasslen's situation challenges these assumptions. A successful
appeal will signal that neighbors have the right to disrupt planned and
commission approved improvements – even when property owners play by the
rules. The Hasslens obtained feedback from their neighbors early in
the design process. Their current plan meets all existing planning
ordinances.

 

In closing, this is only one, unique case. Over time, I can imagine a
worst case scenario where an arbitrary and "neighbor-specific" planning
process results in more volatile property values.

 

Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to offer my support to Sharon
and Bob Hasslen.

 

Regards,

 

Kathy Kwan


 



Received on Tue Feb 6 01:04:33 2007