Minutes 2009 0302 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES Page 4 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-March 2, 2009 Frank Lynn, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, commenting that while he opposes this project, he believes in property owners' rights to do as they wish with their own properties. Mr. Lynn stated that he is opposed to the public funding and RDA funding for the project, and that he felt it unconscionable for the Council to consider a $9.3 million contribution to this project as it faces an $11 million budget deficit. Mr. Lynn reminded the Council of the 350 petition signatures he submitted from residents and homeowners opposing the project, and of the Estudillo Homeowners Association's opposition to the project. Dan Martinez, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, expressing support for the City's Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Strategy and The Alameda project. Mr. Martinez commented that The Alameda is a model project that will provide housing and jobs for San Leandro. Mr. Martinez pointed out that the RDA funds proposed for this project can only be used for housing. Mr. Martinez stated that he hoped the project could be built with local labor, and that the Council could request child care build-out funds in its upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. Tom Breckenridge, San Leandro resident representing the Interfaith Homelessness Network, a group of ten faith-based organizations in San Leandro, addressed the City Council, commenting on the need for affordable housing for the clients served by his organization. Mr. Breckenridge commented that the IHN Steering Committee sent a letter to the Council, expressing support for the project. Jeff Houston, San Leandro resident representing the Sierra Club, addressed the City Council, commenting on the letter to the Council from the Sierra Club, expressing support for the project. Mr. Houston noted the benefits of the project to the community, in the form of reduced traffic congestion, air pollution, and dependency on fuel. Mr. Houston commented on the ideal proximity of the project to BART. Lindsay Imai, representing Urban Habitat, addressed the City Council, expressing support for The Alameda project. Ms. Imai commented that the project would provide much needed affordable housing and create jobs in San Leandro. Ms. Imai noted the letters of support submitted by several agencies, and she urged the City Council's approval of the project. Johanne Dictor, President of the Estudillo Estates Homeowners Association, addressed the City Council, expressing concern regarding the many revisions made to the project. Ms. Dictor commented that the project is in a poor location, and would add many new residents to the City without a corresponding increase to public safety. She expressed concern regarding the environmental impacts of the project. Esperanza Alcantar, San Leandro resident representing Congregations Organizing for Renewal (COR), addressed the City Council, thanking the Council for its consideration of the project. Ms. Alcantar commented on the families forced into foreclosure, and the difficulty they face in fording rental housing in San Leandro. She expressed support for a child care facility at the project site.