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b. Update on Downtown San Leandro Farmers' Market <br />Business Development Manager Battenberg provided an update on the San Leandro Farmers' <br />Market noting that the 2008 season exceeded expectations. Revenue from stall fees was three <br />times the amount expected by Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association, the not-for-profit <br />organization that manages the event for the City. The Redevelopment Agency contributed <br />$11,000 for the 2008 Farmers' Market and $9,000 for the 2009 market. <br />Battenberg explained that this year's market includes a new "Green Market Day" theme, the <br />result of a partnership with the City's Recycling and Solid Waste Division. The market will <br />feature composting, re-usable bags and a bike theme. Additional sponsors include the San <br />Leandro Times and the Downtown Association which will be sponsoring the markets wine <br />tasting events this year. <br />4. Update on Development Projects <br />a. Estudillo/Callan Garage Replacement Parkin: Business Development Manager Battenberg <br />provided an update on plans to provide replacement parking once the existing downtown <br />garage is demolished. Now that the City has purchased the former Albertsons site, that site <br />will be available for temporary surface parking during the garage reconstruction. The former <br />site of the Chamber of Commerce will also be used for replacement parking. Business <br />Development staff is working with merchants to facilitate temporary parking arrangements. <br />Staff is also recommending new and reduced Temporary Parking Fees for reserved and <br />unreserved parking permits during construction. This new fee will be brought to the City <br />Council for adoption in June. <br />b. East Bay Economic Development Alliance, Economic Forecast: Business Development <br />Manager Battenberg provided a summary of the economic forecast attended by Business <br />Development staff. The keynote speaker predicted one more quarter of negative economic <br />growth with housing bottoming out at some point in 2009. The East Bay is projected to fare <br />slightly better than the rest of the state or nation. <br />c. Bayfair Center Retail Star Program: Business Development Manager Battenberg provided a <br />summary of a recent Bayfair Center event at which roughly 50 entrepreneurs proposed ideas <br />for new retail ventures at the Center. The event was a success and included several promising <br />proposals. The 15 semi-finalists will participate in business seminars and their refined <br />proposals will be reviewed at a future event. <br />d. San Leandro Economic Forum: Business Development Manager Battenberg noted that the <br />Office of Business Development will be a sponsor of a San Leandro Economic Forum, <br />scheduled for June 22 at 3:00 at the library. Urban designer Michael Friedman will be the <br />keynote speaker. <br />e. Marina Pontiac/GMC Closing: Community Development Director explained that car <br />dealerships are closing nation-wide and although the City has benefited in terms of <br />dealership consolidations from Hayward and Dublin closures, Marina/Pontiace GMC closed <br />in March 2009. Staff will be working with the owner of the site to explore options for <br />locating a new auto dealership at this desirable location. <br />