The proposed 123 Independence Drive project in the Bayfront Area reached a milestone with the release of its Notice of Preparation (NOP) on Friday, September 10, 2021. The NOP is also available on the city’s environmental documents webpage.

Residents are encouraged to review the NOP and participate in the September 27, 2021, Planning Commission meeting, to provide comments on the NOP and the scope and content of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and the proposed project. The comment review period for the NOP is happening now through Monday, October 11, 2021. Written comments must be submitted no later than 5 p.m., Monday, October 11, 2021.

The project at 123 Independence Drive includes redevelopment of five parcels with approximately 432 residential units consisting of approximately 316 apartment units and approximately 116 for-sale townhomes. Approximately 15 percent or 66 units are proposed to be inclusionary units consistent with the City’s Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing Program. 

Written comments must be submitted by email to Contract Principal Planner Payal Bhagat or by letter to Payal Bhagat, Community Development, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025.

More details on the proposed project are available on the 123 Independence Drive project page. The proposed project would be developed using the City’s bonus level provisions for increases in density, intensity (square footage), and height, in exchange for community amenities.

Following the close of the NOP public review period on October 11, 2021, the City will prepare a Draft EIR that will consider all the comments received during the EIR scoping meeting and written comments submitted during the NOP public review period.