Item No. 1
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – STUDY SESSION
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: BRITTANY BENDIX, CONSULTING TOWN PLANNER
DATE: JANUARY 14, 2025
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON CAMPUS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council review and discuss the update regarding on-campus housing development at Menlo College and provide direction to staff on next steps.
BACKGROUND
On September 3, 2026, the City Council held a study session to discuss how the Town could assist with realizing the development of on-campus housing at the Menlo College property, as encouraged by the Town’s adopted 2023-2031 Housing Element. At this meeting, staff reported that the college still had interest in pursuing housing opportunities and would appreciate assistance from the Town.
The Council discussed three approaches to support this effort:
- Providing staffing and/or financial support to seek grants and loans that support housing development for educational uses.
- Foster public-private partnerships (P3s) between universities and developers by dedicating staff resources to assist the college with a competitive solicitation for P3 partners.
- Facilitating a donor-driven development by tasking a committee of residents to contact potential donors and solicit donations.
The Council directed staff to provide some high-level research relative to grant opportunities and requested residents to work with the college to identify preliminary design needs for fundraising efforts. This report provides an update on those efforts.
January 14, 2026, City Council Staff Report
Study Session – Campus Housing Update
DISCUSSION
Resident Efforts
Since the September study session, two resident developers, Carol Flaherty and Jeff Morris, met with representatives of the college and toured the site. Through this effort they have conveyed to staff the following information:
- The college prefers siting a potential four-story residential building with below grade parking on the parking lot off of Alejandra Avenue. This is consistent with the location of the current RM-20/40 multifamily zoning overlay.
- The college would need to replace the off-street parking lost from the residential development. - A site design and layout for a multifamily structure that includes 45-60 units will be completed by the end of January for review by the college. Once the layout is approved by the college, Pacific Peninsula Group (PPG) has agreed to provide elevations, typical floor plans and a site plan to use for fundraising efforts. Aesthetically, the current preference of the college is that exterior will align with the architectural style of Arrillaga Hall. - The residential programming will provide a mix of studios and 1-bedroom units for graduate students and faculty or staff. Two-bedroom units are not currently anticipated, as the increased size reduces the overall number of available units.
- The college has indicated that they will start a multi-year fundraising campaign in 2026 that could pursue up to 100 units.
Grant Financing
Staff received a list of 15 housing grant opportunities from California Consulting, a firm that specializes in grant writing. Upon reviewing the grants, the primary challenge with grant financing as an approach for Menlo College is aligning the needs of the school with varying eligibility requirements. To be eligible for these grants, the college may need to partner with a public agency, such as the Town, or a non-profit organization that is focused on addressing a specific housing issue like remediating a contaminated site or providing housing of a specific population group like those who are transitioning out of homelessness. Additionally, some grants provide funding only after entitlements for the development are received and are not intended to fund preliminary efforts.
Timing and Next Steps
The Council should indicate how it would like to use the Town’s resources to continue to pursue campus housing and indicate a reporting timeline and method so that staff can continue to keep the Council informed on any updates.
Given the timing provided by the residents working directly with Menlo College, staff recommends that the Council receive a subsequent update at the regular City Council meeting on March 18, 2026. This update will coincide with the Council’s review of the Annual Progress January 14, 2026, City Council Staff Report
Study Session – Campus Housing Update
Report for 2025. This timing also reflects a general pattern of quarterly updates to the Council on this topic.
FISCAL IMPACT
None at this time.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
▪ Goal 1 – Preserve Small Town Character and Quality of Life ▪ Goal 4 – Be Forward Thinking
▪ Land Use & Planning Priorities – Objective 8 – Work with multi-family project developers to address the Town’s affordable housing targets with specific emphasis on Menlo College.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission.
ATTACHMENTS