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Minutes - San Leandro City Council Meeting - February 20, 1996 Page - 13 - SAWLEANDRW REDEdELOPMENVAGENC OMEETING:`('c" iffi ga Mayor Corbett explained that Redevelopment fund improvements are based on the difference between the value of property before and after improvement. She said, since there has been no increase in value, there are no funds for improvements by the Agency. Staff explained that the properties adjacent to 800 Peralta are residential. She said 800 Peralta was included because, if something is going to happen on the Cherry City site, the ability to bring other sites in is critical. She said Bergen Tire was not included because it is improved and compatible with any other non - industrial uses. James Begier, Begier Buick, Owners of Several Non - Residential Properties on East 14th Street and Marina Boulevard, said the City Council would be abusing eminent domain. He said the public does not support eminent domain. He said the Islander Motel is a management problem but looks fine and is sound. He said the Police Department was going to engage in a task force to clean it up. He said the public needs more input in eminent domain. He said the City Attorney is leading the City Council down the road and putting them in personal liability in this process. Mayor Corbett said this action would not be before the City Council if it was not within their authority. Darlene Evans, 361 Bristol Boulevard, said a bridge should be built across Peralta. She said eminent domain should be delayed until there is a plan. She said perhaps eminent domain should be on the nursery site only. She asked what could be done to increase the water supply. She said the Islander Motel is decent looking; the problems are people. Lou Filipovich, 15376 Laverne Drive, said eminent domain is an individual action, and people can get relief from it. He said Redevelopment Agencies prosper at taxpayers' expense. He said the California Redevelopment Act gave extraordinary powers to local agencies to shape the community. They can issue bonds without a vote of the people and remove homes and businesses for auto malls and skyscrapers. He said the debts of CRA's are growing at 25% per year and are now $35 billion in debt. He said there is a growing public awareness of Redevelopment throughout the State, and it was recently stopped in a number of California cities. He said citizens can write to their State representatives or the Governor to limit Redevelopment Agency power. Justin Agrella, 1231 - 148th Avenue, said the City Council has a different idea of what this area means to the community. Property owners stated it is an industrial area. They want to keep what they have, develop it, and put forth a newer, nicer area. As a candidate, he pledges not to use eminent domain. He said there are 152 jobs in the Peralta Area, and they must have some say.