123 Independence Drive Draft Environmental Impact Report released

Published on December 05, 2022

On Nov. 28, 2022, the City released the draft environmental impact report for the proposed 123 Independence Drive development project. A paper copy is available for review in the Menlo Park Library at 800 Alma St., and at the Belle Haven Branch Library at 413 Ivy Drive. Interested parties should request the report at the library information desk.

Key components include:

• 432 total residential dwelling units (316 rental apartments and 116 for-sale townhomes)
• An average height of 48.75 feet and a maximum height of 67 feet
• Approximately 66 below market rate housing units (15% of the total 432 units)
• 75,312 square feet must be publicly accessible open space
• 135,387 square feet of total open space

Residents are encouraged to review the draft environmental impact report and participate in the Dec. 12, 2022, Planning Commission meeting to provide comments. The comment review period for the draft environmental impact report is open now through Jan. 17, 2023. If you would like to submit comments, you are encouraged to do so before 5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023.

Written comments must be submitted by emailing Contract 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 draft environmental impact report public review period, staff will prepare a final environmental impact report that will include responses to all substantive comments received.