A group of business leaders in Menlo Park, called Save Downtown Menlo Park, is suing the city to halt a plan to redevelop three parking lots into 345 affordable housing units. The lawsuit claims the city must comply with California's Surplus Land Act before considering development proposals. Opponents argue that the removal of over 500 parking spaces will hurt small businesses, while proponents stress the urgent need for housing amid a crisis. The group claims the city holds the lots in a fiduciary capacity for public use, a point disputed by city officials.
The group is requesting the city pay their legal fees, arguing the land must be declared surplus before development proposals can be considered.
City officials confirmed they are aware of the lawsuit but had not yet been formally served, emphasizing the importance of transparency during their review.
Opponents argue that the redevelopment will remove more than 500 parking spaces, which they say will severely impact small business revenues, even if temporary.
Save Downtown Menlo Park claims the lots were acquired through eminent domain, holding the city to a fiduciary responsibility for public use.
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