Menlo Park rejects state demand to approve 80 Willow Road development

The Menlo Park City Council has rejected the approval of the 80 Willow Road development project under terms dictated by the California Attorney General. The council maintains that the state's analysis is incorrectly reasoned and contrary to law, despite a July 29 notice stating the project satisfies the definition of a ‘builder’s remedy’ project under the Affordable Housing and High Roads Jobs Act of 2022.

If the project is classified as a builder’s remedy, the city would be required to approve it without environmental review. Mayor Betsy Nash stated the council is prepared to defend its position even if it results in financial penalties or requires cutting local services to fund the legal effort.

The proposed multi-use development, known as Willow Park, is situated on the former Sunset magazine campus. The project includes 665 housing units, over 300,000 square feet of office space, a 130-room hotel, a preschool, and retail space. Some proposed buildings could reach heights of up to 458 feet. Additionally, Councilmember Drew Combs reported that a ‘serious’ buyer has expressed interest in purchasing the property from its current owner.