Honorable members of the council:

I will be unable to attend tonight's meeting but would like to add my
voice to those that have already urged caution as you move ahead with El
Camino projects. If our general plan and zoning ordinances are subject
to change with each new development proposal, then essentially our city
has no general plan and no zoning. This is not an efficient or
effective way to run a city, and truly benefits no one, not even the
developers.

I was among the people who collected signatures to stop the Derry
Project, and I spoke to many residents in the process. Even though
they don't attend meetings or write you letters, the majority of
residents are very aware of what is happening on El Camino. Right now,
few of us have reason to feel very proud of our rather bleak main
thoroughfare. Our city needs an overall plan for this important street,
not a bunch of piecemealed solutions pushed on us by private
interests. This is not anti-growth (it's pretty clear that El Camino
needs to be developed) but pro-growth by the rules.

The prior council was dominated by pro-development members. Last
November's election results should be proof that Menlo Park residents,
whether or not they speak up in public, do not want more of the same.

Sincerely,

JoAnne Goldberg
Received on Tue Mar 13 16:50:13 2007