The City of Menlo Park responded on October 1, 2026, to a California Attorney General notice disputing allegations that it violated state housing laws in processing the 80 Willow Road project.
In its response, the city argued that the project remains ineligible for processing under the Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act of 2022 (AB 2011) and is not entitled to approval under the Builder's Remedy.
The city also raised concerns about the project's funding and ownership, citing a September 23, 2026 letter from U.S. Congressmember Sam T. Liccardo to Treasury Secretary Bessent. According to the city's response, Liccardo had requested that the Office of Foreign Assets Control review the funding source, noting the property owner is a Russian citizen with documented ties to the Russian government and to individuals linked to organized crime.
Excluding 100 required units of affordable housing, the project is primarily a commercial project with luxury housing, according to the city's response. Projected rents for two-bedroom apartments are $9,592 per month, and condominium prices are projected to average $2,422,000.
The city also defended its practice of recovering costs incurred in reviewing the project from the applicant, arguing the practice was lawful and did not violate state housing law.