Improving Downtown Vibrancy is a Menlo Park City Council Top 5 Strategic Priority for fiscal year 2025-2026.

In July 2012, the Menlo Park City Council approved the El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan which establishes a development framework and building regulations for private and public investments on El Camino Real, in the Caltrain station area and in Downtown Menlo Park. The Specific Plan provides a conceptual design for Downtown and identifies many civic projects the community wanted the City to pursue.

Unfortunately, ALL the significant projects in the Specific Plan that were proposed by our community have been ignored by subsequent city councils, and NO council member has been a strong advocate for improving Downtown.
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2025 Priorities

• Transform the public space on the 600 block of Santa Cruz Avenue into an inviting place to visit, socialize, enjoy a coffee or casual meal, read a book or newspaper, and attend community events. While it is already extremely popular with teenagers it is unattractive and not adult-friendly. (See ideas for a 600 Block Public Plaza)
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• Resurface and re-stripe Downtown Santa Cruz Avenue, repair curbs and crosswalks, and keep everything clean.
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• Install attractive new street lighting starting with Santa Cruz Avenue; then add to side streets between Oak Grove and Menlo Avenues.
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• Repair and resurface all city parking lots. Keep clean!
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• Upgrade the general appearance of Santa Cruz Avenue, e.g., add and maintain new landscaping, replace and/or remove existing kiosks
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• Hide the unsightly trash containers that line the parking lots behind retail businesses and restauarnts.