[Urbannizer]

Pro-development group threatens to sue city for not moving Sunset towers along faster

A nonprofit pro-housing group is threatening to sue Menlo Park for not moving forward with a proposed 40-story complex at the former Sunset Magazine headquarters.

The city found the proposed project at 80 Willow Road was not eligible for the Builder’s Remedy, but San Francisco-based YIMBY Law says the city is imposing new requirements that didn’t previously apply to the property.

YIMBY Law sent a letter to the city on Dec. 5 saying it will not hesitate to file a suit if the city doesn’t move forward with the project. City Attorney Nina Doherty sent a response to the firm to say the city was willing to discuss the letter, YIMBY Law attorney Jack Farrell said.

The city found the project inconsistent with its development standards, such as the height, environmental impacts and affordable housing requirements. The developer has reduced the amount of affordable housing, which will change how the project will be reviewed, according to the city’s evaluation.