From: Marty Keller
To: Council, City
Cc: Planning Commission
Subject: Item 14 Public Comment: Support For Housing at Mollie Stone"s Option #2 Date: Monday, May 18, 2026 8:34:24 AM
Good afternoon council members, my name is Marty Keller and I live in Midtown.
Please embrace new housing at the Mollie Stone's site. I support the option that provides more affordable housing as the difference between 17 and 14stories is not descernable. I don’t think the other option does anything meaningful except lower the amount of affordable units. I do think parking has to be increased.
Thank you for your consideration,
Marty Keller
From: Jeremy Levine, Palo Alto Forward
To: Council, City
Subject: Support for Mollie Stone’s option #2 (agenda item 14 public comment) Date: Monday, May 18, 2026 8:26:00 AM
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Good morning Palo Alto city council,
On behalf of Palo Alto Forward, I am writing in support of the Mollie Stone’s project. Though both options would be a great addition to our city—transit-oriented, mixed-use, with more deed-restricted homes that many publicly funded projects—we would prefer the council support Option #2.
Option 2 reflects the negotiated solution between the city and developer, which the city should honor. It will include a more appealing Mollie Stone’s store front while reflecting the true demand for commercial space, which would otherwise risk sitting vacant. And it provides more homes overall. We appreciate the hard work of Vice Mayor Stone and Council Member Lauing to negotiate an updated project, and we hope the council will wholeheartedly support.
Both options illustrate the benefits of density near commercial areas and public transit. They will bring customers to a struggling commercial corridor, provide affordable housing at no cost to the city, and pay dramatically more in property taxes than the old Mollie Stone’s building. SB 79 implementation provides an opportunity for Palo Alto to proactively plan for more projects like this in similar locations like the transit center and other transit-oriented locations.
Regards,
Jeremy
--
Jeremy Levine (he • him)
Executive Director, Palo Alto Forward
(650) 485-0127
From: Patty Irish
To: Council, City
Subject: Action Item 14 156 California Ave Building Housing and Commercial Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026 11:20:34 AM
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Dear Mayor Veenker and City Council,
I strongly support this housing including option #2.
This is a perfect place for more people to live. It is near transportation, commercial businesses, jobs, schools and all that makes living in Palo Alto great.
It is also a place where local businesses will benefit as well as schools, jobs and all the ways our city will benefit from new residents.
I hope you will work with the developer to make this happen as quickly as possible.
California Avenue needs this to reinvigorate its businesses also.
Thank you for your commitment to housing for all and as infill so you provide locations that serve many interests.
Patty Irish
850 Webster
Palo Alto 94301
--
Patty Irish
850 Webster St. #628
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-324-7407
650-245-3906
cell
How do you tell a story that has been told the wrong way for so long? Virus-free.www.avast.com
From: Andrea Allais
To: Council, City
Cc: Planning Commission
Subject: Item 14 Public Comment: Support For Housing at Mollie Stone"s Option #2 Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 7:33:26 AM
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i
Good afternoon council members, my name is Andrea Allison and I live in University South.
Please embrace new housing at the Mollie Stone's site. Though I support either proposal, option #2 would bring more housing overall and provide a nicer store front for the grocery store. It also reflects a strategic negotiation by the city, which we should honor. This project reflects the future I would like to see in our transit-oriented neighborhoods.
I am lucky enough to live near a Caltrain station and I want more people to enjoy the same benefits
Thank you for your consideration,
Andrea Allais
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From: [email protected]
To: Council, City
Cc: Planning Commission
Subject: Item 14 Public Comment: Support For Housing at Mollie Stone"s Option #2 Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 7:56:43 PM
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i
Hello Council Members:
I wanted to express my support for housing development at the Mollie Stone’s site. While I support either option, I do like the new enhancements to the grocery store, which will make it more vibrant and hopefully have more shoppers support it. I also am excited about more housing near transit, because it makes transit a much more attractive option for new residents.
Sincerely,
Hilary Glann
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From: Joyce Beattie
To: Council, City
Cc: Planning Commission
Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 7:08:36 PM
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i
Dear council members,
Re: Item 14 Public Comment: Support For Housing at Mollie Stone's Option #2 Hi, I live in Stevenson House Senior Apartments now, and had moved to Palo Alto in the Fall of 1970.
Please endorce the new housing plans at the Mollie Stone's site.
I support either proposal, but option #2 would bring more housing overall and provide a nicer store front for the grocery store.
It's transit-oriented, keeps needed retail and is an enhancement to our neighborhood.
Thank you for your consideration,
Joyce Beattie
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From: Susan Setterholm
To: Council, City
Cc: Planning Commission
Subject: Item 14 Public Comment: Support For Housing at Mollie Stone"s Option #2 Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 4:21:19 PM
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Good afternoon council members, my name is Susan Setterholm and I lived in downtown and Ross near Loma Verde.
Please embrace new housing at the Mollie Stone's site. Though I support either proposal, option #2 would bring more housing overall and provide a nicer store front for the grocery store. It also reflects a strategic negotiation by the city, which we should honor. This project reflects the future I would like to see in our transit-oriented neighborhoods.
I have always dreamed of living in an apartment near the California Avenue train station I believe a high rise housing development over Mollie Stone’s is an excellent use of land that will make housing available to the more affluent parts of the middle class.
Thank you for your consideration,
Susan Setterholm
From: Bill Fitch
To: Council, City
Cc: Planning Commission
Subject: Item 14 Public Comment: Support For Housing at Mollie Stone"s Option #2 Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 3:55:59 PM
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Good afternoon council members, my name is Bill Fitch and I have lived in Evergreen Park for 50 yrs Please embrace new housing at the Mollie Stone's site. Though I support either proposal, option #2 would bring more housing overall and provide a nicer store front for the grocery store. It also reflects a strategic negotiation by the city, which we should honor. This project reflects the future I would like to see in our transit-oriented neighborhoods.
I strongly support the Molly Stone site for housing both because we need the housing but also because this project helps increase funds for continuing Caltrain. Calave will benefit from a larger population to support small businesses.
Thank you for your consideration,
Bill
From: Barb V
To: Council, City
Cc: Planning Commission
Subject: Item 14 Public Comment: Support For Housing at Mollie Stone"s Option #2 Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 3:02:23 PM
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i
Good afternoon council members, my name is Barb Voss and I live in Palo Alto Redwoods, 4250 El Camino Real.
Please embrace new housing at the Mollie Stone's site. Though I support either proposal, option #2 would bring more housing overall and provide a nicer store front for the grocery store. It also reflects a strategic negotiation by the city, which we should honor. This project reflects the future I would like to see in our transit-oriented neighborhoods.
Accessible and affordable housing near transit is especially important for people with disabilities, many of whom are unable to drive. Housing right near the CalTrain station will also take cars off the road and encourage environmentally sustainable public transit.
Thank you for your consideration,
Barb Voss
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From: Adam Schwartz
To: Council, City
Cc: Planning Commission
Subject: More homes please! Yes to Mollie Stone"s option #2 (Item 14 Public Comment) Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 2:55:39 PM
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Hello members of the Palo Alto City Council:
My name is Adam Schwartz, and along with my family I am a ten-year resident of Palo Alto's University South neighborhood.
I write in strong support of option #2 for new homes at the Mollie Stone's site. It would provide more overall homes, and a nicer store front. It also reflects a strategic negotiation by the city, which we should honor.
The Mollie Stone's site is the dictionary definition of a great place for homes like these. It is right next to CalTrain, and wonderful amenities on California Avenue.
This issue is very important to me, because many of my friends and family members want to move to the bay area or stay here, and find it very difficult to do so because of the shortage of homes.
Thank you for all you do,
Adam Schwartz
University South
From: Garrett Clark
To: Council, City
Cc: Planning Commission
Subject: Item 14 Public Comment: Support For Housing at Mollie Stone"s Option #2 Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 2:40:37 PM
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Good afternoon council members, my name is Garrett Clark and I live in Downtown North.
Please approve new housing at the Mollie Stone's site. Though I support either proposal, option #2 would bring more housing overall and provide a nicer store front for the grocery store. It also reflects a strategic negotiation by the city, which we should honor. This project reflects the future I would like to see in our transit-oriented neighborhoods.
Housing near transit will enable us to reach our environmental and climate goals, allow residents the option to avoid fueling oil wars in the Middle East, and create vibrant communities that are accessible to more people.
Thank you for your consideration,
Garrett Clark
From: Reid Kleckner
To: Council, City
Cc: Planning Commission
Subject: Item 14 Public Comment: Support For Housing at Mollie Stone"s Option #2 Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 2:05:29 PM
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Good afternoon council members, my name is Reid Kleckner and I live in Midtown.
Please embrace new housing at the Mollie Stone's site. Though I support either proposal, option #2 would bring more housing overall and provide a nicer store front for the grocery store. It also reflects a strategic negotiation by the city, which we should honor. This project reflects the future I would like to see in our transit-oriented neighborhoods.
Mollie Stone's is my primary grocery store. I bike there every week. I've written to you previously about GK Pastry opening in the Cal Ave shopping district and then closing a few months later. Retail needs customers, not parking stalls that sit empty most of the day. This development has the potential to secure and revitalize an important neighborhood amenity, and hopefully support new ones. I urge you to leave behind the lengthy Palo Alto process and embrace the city-of-yes mindset, so we can make room for the next generation of Palo Altans.
Thank you for your consideration,
Reid Kleckner
From: Milo Trauss
To: Council, City
Cc: Planning Commission
Subject: Item 14 Public Comment: Support For Housing at Mollie Stone"s Option #2 Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 1:05:38 PM
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i
Good afternoon council members, my name is Milo.
Please embrace new housing at the Mollie Stone's site. Though I support either proposal, option #2 would bring more housing overall and provide a nicer store front for the grocery store. It also reflects a strategic negotiation by the city, which we should honor. This project reflects the future I would like to see in our transit-oriented neighborhoods.
The more housing the better, so that families like mine can afford to have a place to live in this community.
Thank you for your consideration,
Milo Trauss
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From: rachel heller
To: Council, City
Cc: Planning Commission
Subject: Item 14 Public Comment: Support For Housing at Mollie Stone"s Option #2 Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 12:14:45 PM
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i
Good afternoon council members,
My name is Rachel Miller and I live in Downtown North. Please embrace new housing at the Mollie Stone's site. Though I support either proposal, option #2 would bring more housing overall and provide a nicer store front for the grocery store. It also reflects a strategic negotiation by the city, which we should honor. This project reflects the future I would like to see in our transit-oriented neighborhoods.
This site is right next to the California Ave. Caltrain station - perfect for dense housing. The addition of new neighbors in this location would be a boon for the businesses in the California Ave. area, including the Mollie Stones that would be right downstairs! Those that complain about the impact on parking in this area always ignore the new multi-story parking garage at Sherman Ave. and Birch St. that is never full, even on Saturday nights and farmers market days. In particular, the disabled parking on the ground floor of the garage is never full and very convenient to California Ave. I know because I often have lunch with my 85 year old mother at Joanie's Cafe and her access is fine. Let's get this great new housing project built! Thank you for your consideration,
Rachel Miller
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From: Amie Ashton
To: Council, City
Cc: Planning Commission
Subject: Item 14 Public Comment: Support For Housing at Mollie Stone"s l Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 12:14:24 PM
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Mayor Veenker and City Council,
I proudly applaud recent actions by the city to bring new housing online, especially new housing near transit, jobs, and retail/services. I especially support new housing at the Mollie Stone's site. Though I fully support either proposal, option #2 reflects a strategic negotiation by the city - which we should honor.
This project reflects the future and will create an ideal transit-oriented neighborhood.
Residents could live a healthy, joyful car-fee or car-light lifestyle (as I do as a downtown resident). Housing at this location would provide new customers for Cal Ave businesses.
Putting these units housing near Palo Alto's job centers (i.e., the Research Park and Stanford) would reduce area-wide traffic and greenhouse gas emissions.
Tell our children that the community that raised them wants them here. Revitalize Cal Ave in a meaningful way. Show the rest of the Bay Area that Palo Alto is ready to lead and be innovative on every front, including on housing.
Thank you for your consideration,
Amie Ashton
From: Steven Atneosen
To: Council, City
Cc: Planning Commission
Subject: Item 14 Public Comment: Support For Housing at Mollie Stone"s Option #2 Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 11:34:07 AM
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Dear Council Members,
We live in the College Terrace neighborhood of Palo Alto.
Please actively support new housing at the Mollie Stone’s site. Though we support either proposal, option #2 would bring more housing and provide a more welcoming and pedestrian- oriented storefront for the grocery store. It also reflects a strategic negotiation by the City, which should be honored. This project reflects the kind of future we would like to see in Palo Alto’s transit-oriented neighborhoods.
We strongly support housing near transit because Palo Alto has an opportunity to evolve into a more sustainable, accessible, and community-oriented city. Concentrating housing near Caltrain, California Avenue, and neighborhood-serving retail allows more people to live close to work, schools, restaurants, parks, and daily necessities without depending on long car commutes. This reduces congestion and emissions while strengthening local businesses and creating more vibrant streets and public spaces.
Importantly, successful cities around the world have shown that walkable, bicycle-friendly, mixed-use neighborhoods consistently outperform car-centric development patterns.
Pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure generate stronger local commerce because businesses benefit from increased foot traffic, more frequent visits, and active street life. By contrast, excessive parking requirements consume valuable land, increase construction costs, discourage housing creation, and undermine the density that supports thriving neighborhood retail.
The Mollie Stone’s project represents an opportunity for Palo Alto to move toward a more modern and economically resilient model of urban planning—one more aligned with successful European-style “15-minute cities,” where residents can comfortably access daily needs by foot, bicycle, or transit. Palo Alto already has the foundations for this vision; projects like this help bring it to life.
We hope the Council will support option #2 and continue prioritizing thoughtful transit- oriented housing that strengthens both our community and our local economy.
Thank you for your consideration,
Steven Atneosen and Caroline Dahllof
[email protected]
From: Mert Dikmen
To: Council, City
Cc: Planning Commission
Subject: Item 14 Public Comment: Support For Housing at Mollie Stone"s Option #2 Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 11:30:21 AM
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i
Good afternoon council members, my name is Mert Dikmen and I live in Crescent Park.
Please embrace new housing at the Mollie Stone's site. Though I support either proposal, option #2 would bring more housing overall and provide a nicer store front for the grocery store. It also reflects a strategic negotiation by the city, which we should honor. This project reflects the future I would like to see in our transit-oriented neighborhoods.
I support all projects increasing housing and retail footprint throughout the town not just in existing commercial corridors but everywhere. I urge you to consider removing as many restrictions as possible from holding back Palo Alto from growing.
Thank you for your consideration,
Mert Dikmen
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From: [email protected]
To: Council, City
Cc: Lait, Jonathan; Armer, Jennifer; Raybould, Claire
Subject: 156 California Avenue
Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 10:50:19 AM
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!
Dear Mayor Veenker and council members,
I believe this site is an excellent place to add housing in the Cal Ave area.
So I am pleased and want to congratulate council members Lauing and Stone for working with the applicant to reach a new plan for the site that is mutually agreeable with the participants.
I am aware that there are probably areas in the negotiation and litigation discussions that I am not aware of.
But I want to support the process that Ed Lauing, Greer Stone and the applicant have brought to a compromise solution.
I encourage you, therefore, to add this site (lot B) to the housing element sites inventory and allow the B.R. 2 proposal to move forward for public review and discussion.
Stephen Levy
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From: [email protected]
To: Council, City
Subject: Does Mollie Stone"s project violate daylight planes for College Avenue R-1 properties? Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 9:49:59 AM
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May 12, 2026
I will be unable to attend the May 18 City Council meeting regarding the Mollie Stone's project. But I would like one question to be answered:
Does the Builder's Remedy allow a developer to override Palo Alto's city ordinance regarding the 10-foot/45-degree daylight plan for R-1 properties?
It appears that city code sections 18.13.040 and 18.20.040 require that the R-1 daylight plane regulations apply to this project. The now 12-story Cambridge parking lot tower would violate the daylight plane regulations for at least the four R-1 properties on College Avenue closest to Park Blvd. That tower would have to be reduced to 6 stories to comply.
If the regulations apply, then it is the duty of the City to ensure that the property rights of these R-1 properties owners are protected, and the project must be modified to address this situation.
Mike Forster
420 Stanford Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94306
650 464 9425
[email protected]