This afternoon I reviewed the updated plans for the development of
dental offices on the site of the old Acorn Restaurant on El Camino
Real. I am writing to offer my opinion on the project since I am a
close neighbor.
 
In my opinion, the building is attractive and well designed.
Aesthetically I believe the proposed building fits well in that location
and would be a pleasant addition to our community. The proposed use as
Dental offices would, I believe, not contribute substantially to traffic
or parking congestion. If at a later time the building were to be
converted to some other use, then the issues of traffic and parking
could become an issue.
 
I favor the idea of Menlo Park having an overall plan for the
development of its downtown area. In that regard, I don't know if the
proposed project meets (would meet) such a plan. It is, indeed, on El
Camino but somewhat far afield from the center of town. Further, City
Council will have a better grasp of the tax base issues than I (an
important consideration).
 
I have no problem with this building or its proposed use as a neighbor.
There is, however, one thought that would make it even more attractive
of me and I think to others who live on Spruce Ave.: a firm agreement,
with some effective way to implement it, whereby overflow parking by
patrons of Celias Restaurant could (and would) find their way to the
"Acorn" parking area after dental hours in order to relieve the intense
parking problem on Spruce Avenue which is currently their overflow
parking spot of choice.
 
Don Barnby
Received on Thu Feb 15 11:23:06 2007