Menlo Park Planning Commission Backs Facebook's Expansion Plans
MENLO PARK (KCBS) - Facebook's plan to build a second campus in Menlo Park has taken a big step forward; the Planning Commission on Monday night unanimously backed the proposed 43,500 sq. ft. project.
The new office park would be on the west side of the Bayfront Expressway, and linked to Facebook's main campus by a tunnel. An estimated 2,900 employees would work at the new location.
Menlo Park Planning Commission Backs Facebook's Menlo Park Expansion Plans
"In addition to the millions of dollars that will be generated through the east and west campuses' development agreements," an unidentified supporter addressed the Planning Commission, "the fact that Facebook is here in Menlo Park is a huge public benefit for our community and San Mateo County."
"We certainly believe that Menlo Park is now branded as Facebook's home," said a woman. "And that's priceless."
"Facebook is and will be a significant social and economic influence to our community," another addressed the Commission.
"As other companies see the success that Facebook is experiencing in Menlo Park, they will want to come to San Mateo County," one man reasoned. "That will help all business sectors that are already here."
There wasn't a single public comment against the project.
City staffers, however, did acknowledge that traffic could be adversely impacted, particularly at the intersections of Marsh and Middlefield roads, as well as University Ave. and Donahoe St.
Now that it's received the Planning Commission's stamp of approval, Facebook's west campus proposal is expected to go before the Menlo Park City Council next month.
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