Marina Highlights 2007 0410 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember ProIa shared his beliefthat residents adamantly oppose development on the dredge spoils site and stated his interest in having it remain wetlands. He stated he would be opposed to a contractual agreement with Environmental Sciences Associates if the scope of work included the possible relocation of Burrell Fields to a portion ofthe dredge disposal site and the potential for a bridge across the Estudillo Canal at the Doolittle terminus. Councilmember Starosciak stated that the Committee should recommend the assessment as is in order to obtain essential information on what type of development is feasible. Mayor Santos agreed. City Manager J ermanis outlined the procurement process for selcting professional consultants and explained that Environmental Science Associates was selected in this instance due to their expertise in shoreline areas as well as their specific knowledge of San Leandro's shoreline. Recommendation: The Committee recommends Council approval of an agreement with Environmental Science Associates for performance of an Environmental and Regulatory Constraints/ Opportunities Assessment. 3. Review of Shoreline Planning and Development Between 1995 and Present City Manager J ermanis reported that an overview of economic development activities that have occurred in the past may assist the Committee in understanding what we have learned from our discussions with numerous developers regarding hotels and restaurants. Business Development Manager Sims explained by way of background that no commercial development has occurred since the opening of Horatios in the mid 1980's. With the closure of the Blue Dolphin in the early 1990's, the City became more active in planning for the economic development of the Marina Shoreline Area. Manager Sims gave an insightful overview including a powerpoint presentation which is attached. In closing he reviewed the following common themes: . The hotel market in the East Bay is one of the most difficult in the nation due to the proximity to San Francisco. Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville and Alameda have all been unsuccessful in attracting a four diamond hotel. . Large convention centers are placed in vibrant downtowns while San Leandro may be more appropriate for a medium-sized conference center with a focus on corporate meetings and training. A conference center would be risky, but possible, and would require an excellent marketing plan and marketing staff. . A corporate owned restaurant chain prefers locations next to a freeway or in a shopping center. The Shoreline Area does not fit the corporate formula. . Premium restaurants are owned by individual entrepreneurs with creative talents. They prefer destination sites, like the Shoreline Area. . A smaller banquet facility could be sustained . A master developer approach will ensure the critical mass, control over timing and phasing as well as the connectedness of the development that a developer will require to invest in the Shoreline Area 2