July 28, 2026 - Planning Commission

The City of Menlo Park Planning Commission held a meeting on July 28, 2026, where they discussed several development-related agenda items. A key procurement-related discussion involved a use permit and architectural control permit revision for a large multifamily and townhome development project at 123 Independence Drive and 138 Constitution Drive. The revisions focused on modifying development phasing and clarifying responsibilities between the apartment and townhome components, including the construction of a temporary and permanent publicly accessible pathway. The commission considered economic conditions affecting project timelines and the involvement of a separate townhome developer, including Habitat for Humanity's role in affordable housing. Public comments raised concerns about construction impacts and site maintenance. The commission approved the permit revisions subject to conditions and a 15-day appeal period. Another agenda item involved approving an architectural control permit revision for exterior improvements and an ADA-compliant walk-up ATM installation at 1540 El Camino Real, which was approved with a 6-1 vote. The meeting also included discussions on enforcement of site maintenance and construction impact mitigation, with staff advising on complaint reporting procedures. No new budget allocations or contract awards were reported.