Menlo Park residents invited to take survey on downtown street closure
As part of COVID-19 response, the Menlo Park City Council adopted an Emergency Resolution to temporarily close portions of Santa Cruz Avenue to allow restaurants, retail and services to operate business in closed street areas consistent with provisions set by Public Health orders.
The Downtown Street Closure and Temporary Outdoor Use Permit Pilot Program, initiated last May, have been reviewed periodically by City Council for usage, aesthetics and safety. Unless modified by Council action, street closures will expire on February 28, 2021 and Temporary Expansion Permits on Labor Day.
City Council will consider action on the Downtown Street Closure at the next Council Meeting, Tuesday, February 23rd which begins at 5:00 pm. Take this Chamber of Commerce survey to provide feedback to the Council.
Rick Moen February 19, 2021 at 3:50 pm
Not a complaint in any way, just information: When I filled out the survey, a notice at the end suggested it is a Google Form operated by the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce (and not by the City Council).
— Rick Moen, rick@linuxmafia.com
Linda Hubbard February 20, 2021 at 9:56 am
Rick,
The Chamber is conducting the survey and the results will be delivered to the City Council.
Linda
Rick Moen February 21, 2021 at 2:56 pm
Thank you, Linda. I certainly did assume that, and the Chamber has performed similar good offices for the city in the past (for which, my thanks).
Barbara February 20, 2021 at 12:17 pm
If street closures assist in sustaining our small town businesses – I’m definitely all in!!! It is a tragedy what is happening to all of us & any and all support we can give each other is wonderful & absolutely necessary. I’ve lived in Menlo Park all my adult life & our “Hometown” is extremely important! In fact, we certainly must improve Menlo Park in the very near future to create a charming and inviting ambiance. A project our City Council Members have ignored far too long!
Bobby Bo February 21, 2021 at 12:46 am
In theory I like the closures to dine outdoors but I find it to be a royal pain to weave like a confusing maze around town just to navigate to a single business on Santa Cruz Ave so I just don’t go anymore. At least have a one-way closure only or close off a few side streets only. It has to be navigable
Ellen February 21, 2021 at 2:04 pm
The city needs to do what best supports downtown businesses and restsurants. I hope outdoor dining becomes permanent. The owners have lost a lot of money and have spent a lot of money building their outdoor spots.
If you want to keep Menlo vibrant continue, continue outdoor dining. In a few years it will become standard and drivers will get used to the new street closures
Jim February 22, 2021 at 5:32 am
Thank you Linda for making the survey available as part of this conversation. I’d assume the results will be made available to the public via the meeting materials? I think it will be helpful to see results by, for example, chamber members versus non members. Also, other data like total respondents will be useful. Since the current survey is pretty short, being able to see the comments (kept anonymous of course) can be useful. Thanks again.