Staff will press Menlo College and other partners for firm commitments after housing-coalition withdrawal

Town planner Britney Benedict told the council that the town’s meetings with the African Housing Coalition and the college have stalled because coalition members said they would not continue the effort. Staff presented one option: the town could take on project management to develop a concept plan that could be used to solicit fundraising for housing on the college site.

Several council members expressed skepticism about the college’s fundraising capacity and stability, citing reductions in international enrollment and uncertainty in the college’s administration. Multiple councilors recommended prioritizing partners who demonstrate the ability and commitment to follow through, naming Menlo School as a more stable potential partner in some comments.

Council asked staff (George and Britney Benedict) to meet directly with college leadership to clarify whether the college will make concrete commitments — such as staffing a liaison or committing seed funds — and to invite college representatives to a council update. Staff said they will return with an update in roughly three months (or sooner if the college responds) and noted a separate developer has expressed interest in a lower-density option under SB79 for portions of the site; council emphasized that density alone does not guarantee the affordability that would count for the town’s housing-element obligations.

No funding decision was made. Council emphasized that any town financial support should be tied to a clear plan and college commitments rather than proceeding based only on preliminary interest.