Not for the first time, Facebook has jumped into the role of real estate developer again as they look to expand the ever popular Menlo Park. However, this time, rather than just be another swanky “company town” development focusing on employees there will be at least 1,500 housing units that will be rented to the public, perhaps in hopes to try and turn around some of the negativity created by Menlo Park and give something back to the community. Also, 15 percent of the 1,500 units will be specifically allocated to low or middle-income families.
The new development comes following need to expand the current headquarters based in Menlo Park, California. While this will create jobs for an additional 6,500 people, many of these people will be those that can afford the high housing costs of the area and will subsequently settle into the new homes. But, for other middle class working for families, it does still not seem possible. Even if housing costs are made considerably cheaper for a certain percentage of families, the daily living costs of living in an expensive area will still be high, and they will end up seeing no real benefit from living here.
In 2013, when Menlo Park was created it caused much controversy with the introduction of this luxury town created especially for its employees that included features such as its sports bar, outdoor pool, and even a pet day care service. And now, the expansion looks set to do it again. If Facebook is trying to solve the socioeconomic problems that this area are currently facing, this may not be the best way to go about it and may cause an even bigger divide within the community. Already nicknamed by some as the next “Pullman”, is Menlo Park going in the same direction? I guess only time will tell.
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