Dear City Council members:

I am writing in strong opposition to the Park Theater project.

We used to patronize the Theater, when it was a movie theater, because it
showed many foreign and non-studio movies. We were saddened when it closed
and hoped that Mr. Crittenden or other would be able to re-open with a
slightly different formula. Like most, we were shocked that he took down
the Art Deco sign without regard for the public landscape it was a part of.

Many years have passed since and the building is even more decrepit and an
eyesore than it was then. Two issues that are of concern to us are: 1) the
use of public funds for private enterprise; and 2) the desirability of the
property being considered.

   - To consider using public funds for a private enterprise that will
   benefit an infinitesimal percentage of Menlo Park taxpayers is an
   insult to the majority who will not have anything to do with the Menlo Park
   Academy of Dance.
   - Municipal (projects) using public funds should not be exclusive
   clubs.
   - The Rec Center is a prime example of city funds being used for the
   public at large, with user fees going back into the city's coffers,
and non Menlo
   Park taxpayers paying higher user fees. *Where are the public funds
   for the Rec. Center, the most outdated and unattractive public
   building in Menlo Park?*
   - The El Camino project is just barely getting under way, with no
   long-term vision of what it may end up looking like. Let's not get
   locked in by pouring money into ill-advised projects. Instead of
   looking back, Menlo Park should focus on the future of its downtown
   look. Another piecemeal project will doom any harmonious-looking,
   long-term plan for ECR.
   - Remember the outcry about using Measure T funds to build the new
   pool and opening it up to a private operator without open bidding? While
   it is not the exact same situation, parallels can easily be drawn here.

   - Those who are gung-ho about saving the building might consider
   raising funds for it in the way that Kepler's did – privately.

Additionally,

   - The property being considered is wedged between plumbing fixtures
   and oil slicks from the adjoining auto shop.
   - Parking is non-existing.
   - When did this building become such a prized and cherished public
   heirloom that our taxpayer money should be used?

I am exceedingly disappointed that candidates we supported and campaigned
for can possibly support this cockamamie plan.

Sincerely,

Catherine McMillan
Received on Sat Oct 20 23:22:20 2007