Minutes 1997 0303 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes - City of San Leandro City Council and Page - 6 - Redevelopment Agency Meeting - March 3, 1997 Development Services Director June Catalano said staff has been working for some time at revitalization efforts for the Downtown; they have been looking for opportunities to reuse and revitalize the vacancies in the area. She described the proposed project and reviewed the process for consideration by Council this evening. She said staff recommends approving the Resolutions and actions. The Hearing was then opened to the public. Denise Bownds-Kaplan, 1400 Carpentier Street, said she supports the downtown proposal and that the other businesses will continue to prosper. She said other chains already exist. She said she would prefer that revenue remain in San Leandro and that she has not experienced parking problems. Odeter Waters, 13527 Aurora Drive, developed city means a strong city businesses will survive, and she will San Leandro the best city. said a strong, economically overall. She said the other do everything possible to make Chris Ehrenberg, Latte' Da, submitted a petition with 1700 signatures against the downtown proposal. He disagrees with the staff report and said parking will become a problem. He cited a letter from a small business owner in Mill Valley that involved Starbuck's. He does not support the project. Lou Filipovich, 15376 Laverne Drive, commented on economic development; he disagrees with using redevelopment funds to purchase and resell property; he asked that the property owner have a chance to speak. Peter Wells, Pelton Center Manager, supports the development in the downtown; he said residents are going elsewhere for services. He said if high-quality businesses locate then others will follow. He urged the Council not to send the wrong message to quality businesses. Dick Kahler, 1495 East 14th Street, said he is opposed to three restaurant uses due to the lack of parking. He said he supports development in the area but not the type of use. Marcia Johnson, 794 Estudillo Avenue, said this is an opportunity to attract high-quality businesses; the development will send a clear message that the downtown is a good place to locate. She cited 4th Street in Berkeley as having taken a risk to bring in new businesses. She would like sales tax revenues to remain in San Leandro. Mary Lou Ehrenberg, 1455 San Jose Street, said the downtown parking will not accommodate the three new businesses. She commented on the Downtown Parking Study and lack of enough parking for the disabled. She said this development will increase commercial rents which will drive out existing businesses.