August 24, 2026 - Planning Commission

The August 24, 2026 meeting of the Menlo Park Planning Commission primarily focused on a study session for the redevelopment of the former USGS campus at 345 Middlefield Road. The proposed mixed-use project includes approximately 713,000 square feet of office space, 670 residential units with 17.6% affordable housing, neighborhood-serving commercial space, and six acres of open space. The developer, Presidio Bay Ventures, discussed the project's design, zoning amendments, and the need for a development agreement. Commissioners and public commenters raised concerns about jobs-housing balance, traffic impacts, affordable housing percentages, and community amenities such as childcare. The project requires multiple entitlements including a general plan amendment, zoning changes, and environmental review. No formal votes were taken as this was a study session, but commissioners provided feedback on affordable housing incentives, parking strategies, and connectivity with adjacent developments like Parkline. Staff noted upcoming meetings and ongoing work on the city's lot split ordinance. Overall, the meeting centered on planning and development considerations for a significant mixed-use project with implications for housing, commercial space, and infrastructure in Menlo Park.