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Minutes - San Leandro City Council Meeting - February 20, 1996 Page - 11 - SAN LEANDROlREDEVELOPMENT 'AGENCY1MEET1NG l b1ii IWU dl suffering the worst blight conditions - the Islander Motel, the Maskell Oil property, and the former Cherry City Nursery and surrounding properties in the Peralta Node, a total of 14 properties, owned by nine property owners. She noted the owner of property at on Bancroft Avenue has requested inclusion in eminent domain. She discussed problems and showed slides of the recommended parcels. In response to Council questions, Ms. Potter said the McAvoy property is not included in the staff recommendation. She said other areas are available for reuse by trucking uses. She discussed the types of health and safety risks involved, such as hazardous waste and the potential to contaminate drinking water, public safety issues at the Islander Motel, and limited access for police and fire services at the Peralta area. She said the Islander Motel suffers primarily from management and social issues. She said extensive changes would be necessary to reuse the structure for moderate- or low- income housing. Vice Mayor Kerr said, if the Islander Motel is run properly, the building is not a problem. The Hearing was then opened to the public. Betsy Ventners, Owner of 555 East 14th Street, asked if any projects are in the works, like Lloyd Wise. The City Manager said there are no present proposals for development on any of these sites; however, commercial realtors are looking at properties every day. Ms. Venters said she is against eminent domain for any use except flood control or safety. Warren Smith, Representing his Mother, Caroline Smith, 715 Peralta, said they are against eminent domain. He said his mother has lived in her home for over 70 years, his uncle for over 50 years, and he understands that when the area develops his mother will be forced to sell. Ms. Potter said eminent domain is recommended for 715 Peralta, the commercial parcel, not 707 and 709, the residential parcels. Mr. Smith said those parcels are his mother's livelihood. He said the groundwater is not contaminated; they have been drinking the water for over 70 years with no ill effects. He said the area is run down, and they have asked the City to maintain Peralta below the railroad tracks. The City Manager explained that Peralta Avenue is not officially accepted by the City, was never developed to City standards, and the City is not responsible for maintenance.