RDA Reso 2007-015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development and Public Improvements: Objectives and Programs Economic Development Objective: Improve the economic health of the Plaza by assisting the private sector to maintain a balanced business base with an appropriate mix of retail and office and support new infill housing. The Agency's aim with regard to economic development is to improve the economic health of and encourage private investment in the Plaza. Specific programs and initiatives undertaken during the years governed by the 2004-2009 Implementation Plan, and implemented in pursuit of this objective, follow: Economic Development Programs: • Construction was completed on the West Estudillo Pedestrian Enhancements. This project included aesthetic improvements to the downtown's pedestrian connection to the Downtown BART station, including new pedestrian scale lighting, undergrounding of utilities and other streetscape improvements. Public art, in the form of the San Leandro History Walk, was also installed as part of this project. • As part of the Agency's continued work to improve public transit use and the pedestrian environment, the City adopted the Downtown San Leandro Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Strategy, which is a comprehensive plan for the Smart Growth of downtown San Leandro and the area around the Downtown BART Station. The TOD Strategy supports higher density housing and mixed-use development. A certified EIR provides for the development of 3,431 residential units, 718,000 sq ft of office space, and 121,000 sq ft of retail space. Implementation of the TOD Strategy will result in a vibrant, pedestrian friendly downtown that provides a wide variety of services and access to excellent regional public transit. • As part of the TOD Strategy, staff has continued to facilitate the development of the Westlake Property on Martinez Street, working closely with the property owners and BART. • The Agency has contracted for the preliminary design of an approximately 500 space Estudillo-Callan parking garage to serve the Plaza and Joint Project Areas. • The Agency continues to facilitate development of Agency-owned infill property on Davis Street into appropriate uses. The Agency-owned former fire station at 1040 Davis Street was developed as a professional office complex. Across the street at 1141 Davis Street, a vacant parcel sold by the Agency in 2004 was developed into nine quality townhomes. • In August 2007 the Commercial Rehabilitation Program was resurrected to assist property owners and tenants in making aesthetic improvements to existing commercial buildings. The Program provides access to capital through forgivable loans. Mid-Term Review Page 3