On May 4, the Planning Commission reviewed and unanimously recommended changes to project plans for the Menlo Gateway project's conditional development permit. The CDP was previously approved by the City Council in June 2010. Modifications to the project plans include an increase in the number of hotel rooms from 230 to 250, an increase in the square footage of the hotel by approximately 24,000 from 173,000 to 197,000, incorporation of the health and fitness facility into a parking structure on the Independence site, a decrease in the square footage of the health and fitness facility by approximately 28,000 from 69,000 to 41,000, and a net decrease in square footage by approximately 4,400 for the total project. The City Council previously reviewed the project modifications at its March 10 and 24 meetings and indicated support for an expedited review timeline. The expedited timeline included a Planning Commission recommendation in May and a letter of approval from the City Manager in late May to fulfill the process required by the CDP. Staff is drafting a compliance letter for the City Manager’s review and signature, which will allow the project to continue toward a building permit submittal. Demolition of remaining buildings on the site is expected to begin this summer, with construction planned for early 2016.