BusHsgDev Highlights 2009 0204 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

2. Discussion of Proposed Large Format Retail Zoning Definitions Community Development Manager Sims provided an overview of the zoning issues regulating "retail box" development m San Leandro. Sims distributed a timeline which is attached and reviewed its contents. Planning staff is reviewing how other Cities have used the zoning code to regulate very large format general retail stores which also carry non-taxable goods. Sims explained that the creating a "retail cap" would limit both the size and structure of the building as well as the percentage of floor area designated for non-taxable goods. The Committee discussed the item and suggested that the City also look into regulating chain stores in the downtown. 3. Review of Downtown San Leandro Marketing Campaign and Proposed Consultant Services Agreement with Main Street Property Services, Inc. City Manager Hollister introduced the item and Business Development Manager Battenberg provided a description of the marketing campaign and an overview of the accomplishments of Main Street Property Services (MSPS). The campaign focuses on identifying the strengths of downtown and marketing the strengths to potential retailers and brokers. In the past two years the staff and MSPS developed the downtownsanleandracom website, created the Downtown Design Guidelines, developed a marketing campaign, designed many facade improvements and began to implement these designs. Craig Semmelmeyer, Principal of MSPS, shared some details of the marketing campaign including samples of the "We Are San Leandro" mailings. Semmelmeyer informed the Committee that the proposed Consulting Services Agreement for the next 17 months will include: • Assisting property owners in negotiating better leases • Attracting specialty retailers • Designing light pole banners with the "Downtown San Leandro" logo to identify the downtown • Creation of away-finding signage program to direct people to the downtown Battenberg explained that staff is recommending entering into a 17-month Consulting Services Agreement with MSPS. This agreement will run thru June 2010 and include $4,000/month in consulting services and $28,000 for marketing for a total cost of $93,000 to be paid with Redevelopment funds from the Plaza and Joint project areas. The Committee discussed the recent improvements to downtown and how MSPS was involved in these improvements. The Committee also requested quarterly updates. Recommendation: The Committee recommends the Agency enter into a 17 month Consulting Services Agreement with Main Street Property Services Inc. 4. Update on Development Projects