I am unable to be at the City Council meeting of Jan 8, 2008 because I will be at the Atherton Transportation Commission meeting regarding the Celia's right-turn-only lane matter. I would, however, like to provide some thoughts on two of the issues relating to the Acorn lot.

1. Regarding the underdesigned parking capabilities provided by the project, I believe that one-off exceptions are often appropriate for the City to make, however,I believe they should be thoroughly justified and not violate the overall intent of the regulations. Particularly I oppose general abrogation of the rules. If the building regulations are thoughtfully designed then they should be adhered to in most cases in order to achieve their intended purposes, and builders should understand that to be the case when they design. I have not formed any opinion on the specifics of this Acorn case as to whether the parking requirements should or should not be adhered to. I do wonder why the developer took his design so far without first securing approval for an exception if one is justified. Certainly on Spruce Ave. we do understand the importance of the parking issue.
2. Regarding safety of the Watkins-El Camino intersection I have a clear and strong opinion. I believe that the safety of any intersection is dependent virtually entirely on the traffic control measures provided at the intersection, and very little on the use to which the adjoining properties are put, particularly in a case like this where it is a "T" intersection and one whole side of the intersection is "undeveloped."

I understand there has been talk by Menlo Park staff about solving the danger issue by making it no-left-turn from Watkins onto El Camino, and making any exit from the "Acorn" parking lot a right -turn only. I do not believe the way to improve safety at an intersection is by way of preventing traffic from using it. (Why not just barricade the intersection and thereby eliminate it.) The truth is that that intersection needs a control light; it is a main route, via Marsh Road, between El Camino and 101. I also understand that this intersection has the lowest possible "F" rating for safety etc. I think half-way measures like no left turn signs not only foul up traffic further, and infuriates drivers, making things more hazardous, to say nothing of making doing business in Menlo Park undesirable, they also lower the chances or really solving the problem. However difficult it may be, I think it's time to mount a serious campaign to get CalTrans to put in a light and really; deal with this in a professional way.

I hope these thoughts can become a part of your discussion and consideration of these issues.

Thanks,
Don Barnby Received on Mon Jan 7 17:41:34 2008