Ord 1997-025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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per the General Plan policies, it is appropriate to locate retail uses in or near the downtown area. The environmental review that was conducted noted that this use is compatible with the adjacent residential uses (north and east) and commercial uses (south and west). There are a number of goals and policies in the General Plan related to commercial land use that support the development of the site for a retail sales use such as a neighborhood shopping center: • New investment in existing commercial districts which will increase their attractiveness and improve their service to the community shall be encouraged. • The concentration of office and retail uses in and near the downtown area shall be encouraged. Furthermore, there are general plan policies related to aesthetic, cultural, recreation, and social resources that support the type of shopping center development proposed which incorporates extensive public open space and very high quality site design and building materials: • Maintain, upgrade and redevelop property as necessary to keep San Leandro a contemporary and economically competitive City. • Provide park and recreation facilities and services for a wide range of citizens by age, education and skill level, and interest. • Encourage, and where possible, require high quality building and site design. It is recommended, based on the above policies and the market realities described above, that the Plan Amendment adding retail sales as an allowed use at the property at 960 San Leandro Boulevard be approved. DISCUSSION OF REQUIRED ELEMENTS L Description and Reasons for Selection of the Pr jest Area • The proposed plan amendments do not involve a change in the already established Plaza 2 Redevelopment Area boundaries. The Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Leandro adopted the Plaza 2 Redevelopment Plan to address vacant, blighted, and underutilized properties in specific areas of the City. The property proposed for the land use change (960 San Leandro Boulevard) is part of Area 2, Area 3 and Area 5 Expansion Area A of the Plaza 2 Redevelopment Plan, and has been vacant for ten years. This vacant property has discouraged revitalization and private investment in the rest of the Davis Street and San Leandro Boulevard corridors • _2_ - 146 •