Final Environmental Impact Report for 123 Independence Drive Project
Published on August 07, 2023
The proposed 123 Independence Drive development project in the Bayfront Area reached a milestone with the release of its Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) on Aug. 4.
A hard copy is available for review at the Main Library, 800 Alma St., and the Belle Haven Branch Library, 413 Ivy Dr. Interested parties should inquire at the library information desk.
Residents and interested parties are encouraged to review the Final EIR and participate in the Aug. 14 Planning Commission meeting, where the Planning Commission will consider the Final EIR and the proposed project entitlements. If you would like to submit written comments on the Final EIR, you are encouraged to do so prior to 5:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 14.
The Planning Commission meeting will be available via Zoom, on Monday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, located at: 751 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA, 94025 or via Zoom.
The applicant, The Sobrato Organization, proposes to demolish the five existing office and industrial buildings totaling approximately 103,000 square feet and would redevelop the project site with:
• A new multi-family residential apartment building with 316 units (including 48 below market rate (BMR) units);
• An approximately 2,000 square foot commercial space on the ground floor of the residential apartment building;
• 116 for-sale townhome condominium units in 22 buildings, including 18 BMR townhome units; and
• A total of approximately 475,171 square feet of residential gross floor area, with a total floor area ratio of 134%.
Written comments must be submitted via email to Contract Planner Payal Bhagat or by letter to Payal Bhagat, Community Development, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025.
For additional information, please visit the 123 Independence Drive project page for more details.
The proposed project would be developed using the City’s bonus level provisions for increases in density and intensity (square footage) in exchange for community amenities. The following supporting documents are also available on the project page:
• Community amenities appraisal, proposal, and evaluation
• BMR Housing proposal
• Fiscal Impact Analysis of the proposed project
• Draft Environmental Impact Report
The Planning Commission is the final decision making body on the requested use permit and architectural control permit (including the requested concessions and waivers), and the certification of the Final EIR. The Planning Commission is a recommending body to the City Council on the major subdivision and BMR agreements.