Housing commission backs $4M in‑lieu BMR payment for Menlo Park life‑sciences project

The Menlo Park Housing Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 5 to recommend that the Planning Commission approve a proposed two‑phase research and development/life‑sciences project at 985–1005 O'Brien Drive and 1320 Willow Road, including a staff‑recommended in‑lieu BMR payment.

Senior Planner Chris Turner presented staff analysis and the applicant’s proposal, saying, “The total payment would be approximately 4,000,000 for the 2 billings.” Turner told commissioners the payment is expected to be deposited into the city’s BMR fund and distributed for affordable housing and rehabilitation programs in future funding cycles. Staff described an approximate phase 1 payment of $2,450,000 and a phase 2 payment in the range of $1.3–$1.5 million.

Don Carlton, the project team lead for the applicant, described the project as two life‑science buildings and a parking structure built in phases and argued the development would help retain and attract research tenants to Menlo Park. “I lead the team that’s responsible for this project,” Carlton said, and he noted the area’s role in the city’s Physical Sciences/Life Sciences campus and existing tenant success.

Commissioners questioned net new floor area, worker density and hazardous‑materials handling. Staff and the applicant said laboratory tenants typically control fumes and exhaust within lab spaces and that separate hazardous‑materials storage is uncommon and planned when needed. Turner also explained that the BMR in‑lieu payment would be distributed from the city’s BMR fund, which staff said typically issues disbursements every two years.

Vice Chair Sweitzer moved, and Commissioner Dumont seconded, a motion to recommend approval to the Planning Commission; a roll‑call vote recorded seven 'Yes' votes and the motion passed 7–0. The Planning Commission and subsequent permit and entitlement processes are the next steps for the proposal.