3A Public Hearing 2010 0920 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development and Public Improvements Objectives The Agency's aim with regard to economic development and public improvements is to improve the economic health of the Plaza. The Agency can assist or guide the private sector to maintain a balanced business base with an appropriate mix of retail and office, and support new infill housing. The Agency, to the extent feasible based on limited funding sources, can upgrade or maintain the appearance of the Plaza visible to the public, so that it will be more inviting to consumers and residents, stimulating increased sales and private investment in the area. Specific proposed programs to undertake over the next five years, in pursuit of these objectives, follow. The Agency is unable to provide funding for all the objectives. Leveraging private investment and obtaining financial assistance from other sources is essential to accomplish the objectives. Economic Development and Public Improvements Programs • Continue to promote and encourage the goals and policies of the Downtown San Leandro Transit - Oriented Development (TOD) Strategy, a comprehensive plan for the Smart Growth of downtown San Leandro. The TOD Strategy supports residential growth with higher density housing and mixed -use development. A certified Environmental Impact Report (EIR) provides for the development of 3,431 residential units, 718,000 square feet of office space, and 121,000 square feet of retail space. Implementation of the TOD Strategy will result in a vibrant, pedestrian friendly downtown that provides a wide variety of services and access to excellent regional public transit. • Demolish and remove the existing two -level Estudillo- Callan Parking Garage that is seismically deficient and construct a new seismically safe four- to five -story parking garage to provide additional parking to enable higher density development in the downtown. • Work with downtown property owners and business owners to create a Property Business Improvement District (PBID) or a Community Benefit District (CBD) to fund the continuation of services such as maintenance, security, parking management, marketing, etc. • Continue assisting with land assembly and design to redevelop Town Hall Square, the underutilized block bounded by Hays, Davis, and East 14th Streets in the downtown core. Currently dominated by surface lots, redevelopment of the site would link the downtown shopping area to the Civic Center. The Agency currently owns four of the seven parcels and has an Exclusive Negotiating Rights Agreement with a developer for development of the site consistent with the TOD Strategy. • Continue the Downtown marketing campaign to promote and enhance the image and economic vitality of Downtown San Leandro. This program includes Downtown branding and marketing, business attraction and retention, a way- finding sign program, coordinated with the BART way - finding program, and the DowntownSanLeandro.com website. • Assist private renovation of commercial structures through the Commercial Rehabilitation Loan Program. This Program provides incentives to enhance the appearance of local businesses and make the neighborhood more attractive. Participants in the program may either be property owners or business owners.