Hello,
 
I hope one of you will be able to help me. I have lived at 304 O'Connor
Street since January 1986 when I purchased the house from Maria Thomas.
When I purchased the house, there was a paved parking strip in front of
the lawn. For over 20 years, we have been parking in this area.
Although the disintegrating asphalt was replaced with decorative gravel,
nothing much has changed. The area is well maintained and the cars do
not block the street in any manner. In November, the police to begin
ticketing the automobiles. I've gotten a couple of extensions to find a
solution but I am at a loss.
 
In order to widen the strip to meet the 10 foot space requirement from
the street (there is no sidewalk), I will have to cut down a 50+ year
old cedar tree, remove my beautiful, curved, redwood fence, and
basically pave more than half of my front yard. Not only would this
devalue my property, but also that of my neighbors. This seems
excessive for the 3 hour ticketing period every night from 2 to 5 AM.
Plus, at this time, I do not have that kind of money.
 
I was told that only two cars may park in my driveway. There are
currently 3 working adults and a Stanford Grad Student living at this
address who all have cars. There is no public or street parking in the
area. The only alternative I have is to park in East Palo Alto and walk
several blocks to my house. Since I get home after 8 PM most nights, I
fear for my personal safety as well as the security of my car. I can
only get a parking permit for one car that will allow 50 days of
overnight parking out of a 6 month period.
 
I cannot be the only person in Menlo Park that has these issues. I've
contacted the planning commission and the Menlo Park police and no one
has a solution for me other than having everyone get rid of their cars
or move. I'm willing to pay for parking permits. Please help me.
 
 
Best regards,
 
Catherine DeLuca
General Accounting Manager
Oncology Systems Customer Support
660 N. McCarthy Boulevard
Milpitas, CA 95035
Phone: 408.321.4318
Fax: 408.321.4433