Minutes 2008 0122 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES Page 4 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-January 22, 2008 Councilmember Starosciak asked about the conditions of the roof and exterior paint. Ms. Oesterreich stated that some portions of the roof will need to be replaced within the next year, but the paint does not appear to be that old and the buildings will be repainted as needed. Vice Mayor Grant asked about the size of the parking spaces. Ms. Oesterreich stated that the majority of the spaces are compact. Vice Mayor Grant asked about the phasing of the project. Ms. Oesterreich indicated that at some point, there could be both ownership and rental units on the same property, and the rental units would not be refurbished until they were converted. Vice Mayor Grant asked whether the washers/dryers would be coin operated, and Ms. Oesterreich confirmed that they would be. Vice Mayor Grant asked about the timeline for conversion. Ms. Oesterreich indicated that it could take two to three years, depending on the market conditions. Vice Mayor Grant noted that there is a clause in the condo conversion policy regarding lifelong leases to seniors and disabled tenants. Ms. Oesterreich stated that there are eight senior tenants currently living in the complex. Vice Mayor Grant expressed concerns regarding the phasing of the project and the "hodgepodge" plan for conversion. She expressed appreciation for the Applicant's willingness to increase the number of inclusionary units to 15. Ms. Oesterreich stated that she did not believe Davidon would start the conversion unless it believed it could sell all 96 units. Councilmember Starosciak asked how the inclusionary units would be distributed throughout the project. Ms. Oesterreich stated that the units are in separate buildings and on separate floors, in order to comply with the requirement of the ordinance that the units be scattered throughout the development. The Hearing was then opened to the public. Francois Gallo, representing the Creekside Neighborhood Association, addressed the City Council, commenting about the parking and landscape changes proposed for this project, which would represent an aesthetic decline to the neighborhood due to a substantial reduction in setbacks and the removal of mature trees. Mr. Gallo expressed concern that the ratio of standard to compact parking spaces will be changed, and suggested the use of car lifts as an alternative way to meet the parking requirement. Mr. Gallo stated that he attended several of the project meetings and heard neighbors express concerns regarding noise, security and water quality, and he hoped these issues would be addressed prior to the approval of this project. Kai Bender, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, commenting on the number of vehicle trips potentially generated by this project due to the lack of laundry facilities in the units. Mr. Bender expressed concern regarding the aesthetic, landscaping and parking issues.