Menlo Park moves forward on turning parking lots into housing

Despite ongoing lawsuits and a possible ballot initiative, the Menlo Park City Council is moving ahead with plans to convert downtown parking lots into affordable housing.

During a study session Tuesday night, the council informally voted to direct city staff to solicit proposals from six of seven pre-qualified developers. The move signals continued momentum on the project, even as community opposition mounts.

The city aims to build at least 340 affordable housing units across three parking lots in downtown Menlo Park.