Minutes 1997 0303 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes - City of San Leandro City Council and Page - 8 - Redevelopment Agency Meeting - March 3, 1997 Ken Pon, 2762 Lakeview Drive, said he is active with the Downtown Business Association and it is time to develop the downtown; he said it will provide a variety to the citizens; he supports the development. Craig Bettencourt, 1750 Scenicview Court, supports the development in the downtown; this is an opportunity; it will assist other, new businesses to locate here; he agrees with assisting the existing businesses. Holly Cohen, 114 Haas Avenue, said that Latte' Da provides entertainment in the evenings; she urged the project to locate at Bayfair. Barbara Keenan, 1555 Washington Avenue, said the issue has to do with money; she said Fremont has big businesses and now desires small businesses to come in; she said the Council is not thinking of small businesses. Carol George, 693 Estudillo Avenue, cited the Starbuck's in Newark that has negatively affected several small businesses; she urged the Council to consider the matter carefully; she said parking will be bad. There being no further comments from the public, the Public Hearing was closed. M/S/C Loeffler and Polvorosa. Ayes: 7; Noes: 0 A five-minute break was announced at 9:05 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:10 p.m. City Manager John Jermanis said staff believes this project will revitalize the downtown. He said staff has exhausted all possibilities of working with the property owner. He said staff recommends City Council approval of all Resolutions this evening and to direct the City Manager to make one more attempt to work with the developer and property owner. Council Member Glaze commented on the history of the downtown. He said, when businesses wanted to locate in other parts of the City, people complained that the downtown was being forgotten. It has been lengthy and difficult to work with the property owner; ten years is too long. He noted the improvements to the Scribner and Pelton Centers. He said the Council is trying to revitalize the downtown. He commented on Starbuck's history in the 1970's. Council Member Galvan agreed with former Mayor Faria's comments regarding redevelopment. He said the project will add variety and excitement to the downtown; they are trying to recreate the downtown. He said this will help get other high-quality businesses to locate in the area. He said the parking issues need to be addressed.