BusHsgDev Highlights 2007 0913 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Committee recommended staff develop outreach materials for builders regarding the major changes. 2. Discussion Regarding Selection Process for Rent Review Board Vacancies City Manager Jermanis reported that the Rent Review Board, which consists of five members, currently has two vacancies. Housing Manager Liao further explained that the Rent Review Board hears issues between renters and landlords and has heard one case in the past three years. Members are appointed at large, and represent the following categories: non-resident landlord (1), resident landlord (1), homeowner (1) and tenant (2 members). The vacancies are for one resident landlord and one homeowner. Staff recommended opening the positions to the public to fill the vacancies. City Manager Jermanis explained that the process would include Business and Housing Development Committee interviews with prospective candidates and a Committee recommendation to Council. The Committee agreed that the positions should be open to the public and recommended a press release be distributed to identify interested candidates. 3. Update on Development Projects • Housing Manager Liao reported that HUD held a surprise performance audit in August and the City received a glowing review. HUD was overall very pleased with how CDBG funds are being administered. Interim Community Development Director Sims reported on the following: • Preferred Freezer Services received approval for a height variance for their 205,000 s.f. project on the former Hudson Lumber site. The variance was required to allow the 65 foot high building to exceed the 50 foot height limit. Construction is scheduled to start in early 2008. Approximately 50 highly paid positions will be created. The developer is planning for Phase II of the site, an approximately 75,000 s.f. facility for a seafood processor that will create 100 - 120 jobs. • Broadreach has started to demolish several of the smaller buildings on the former Kelloggs site and has plans to renovate the remaining approximately 400,000 s.f. Also under consideration is a new building on the south side of Williams Street that would result in demolition of the pedestrian bridge. • In the Alameda County portion of the Joint Redevelopment Project Area a major street beautification project on Coelho Drive, the connection between Bayfair BART and E. 14th Street, is in its final stages of completion. • The Redevelopment Agency was successful in its legal effort to gain repayment of a loan to the San Leandro Cigar shop owner. The full loan amount, including interest, will be paid to the Agency. 2