10B Action 2011 0118 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS With guidance from the Agency and the Chamber of Commerce, six San Leandro businesses started working together as part of a "Sustainability Circle" led by Natural Capitalism, Inc. Leaders from each of the participating companies worked cooperatively and with industry experts to explore ways to increase the efficiency of their operations, thereby lowering their energy expenditures. The Redevelopment Agency contributed half of each participant's costs through the Industrial Competitiveness Program. The participating companies included: Alameda County Industries, Alco Iron and Metals, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Mi Rancho, OSIsoft, and Scandic Springs. The Redevelopment Agency assisted the Chamber of Commerce with their Industrial Roundtable and Industrial Councils programs. The Agency also sponsored the Chamber's San Leandro by Design events, an initiative to engage the community in dialogue related to the future of our community Plaza Project Area Financial Overview: Tax increment revenue in the Plaza Project Area was $2.2 million in fiscal year 2009 -10, up 0.7% from the previous fiscal year. Expenditures for the Project Area for 2009- 10 were $1.8 million. $13.6 million of the Agency's total long -term obligation is attributable to the outstanding principal on the 2002 Tax Allocation Bonds issued for capital improvements in the Plaza Project Area. $452,000 in bond proceeds remain and will be primarily used for the remaining expenses related to the Downtown Pedestrian and Lighting Improvement project. • Construction was completed on the final phase of downtown pedestrian and lighting enhancements. The improvements include: improved lighting, sidewalks, landscaping, and the creation of Joaquin Plaza - a community gathering space with a fountain and areas for outdoor seating and dining. • The Agency, with the assistance of architects, developed designs and cost estimates to assist properties in upgrading their facades. Specifically, design assistance was provided to Sergio's for facade improvements and to Yogofina for signage. • The Agency assisted Tapioca Express and Los Pericos Taqueria in the selection and purchase of quality outdoor furniture and umbrellas for seating in Joaquin Plaza, Downtown. • Implementation of Downtown San Leandro's "We Are San Leandro" marketing campaign continued. Four new people postcards, spotlighting some of the key players in Downtown, were designed and readied for distribution. Mailings will occur during the 2010 -11 fiscal year. • Agency staff assisted the Downtown Business Association in holding its first annual "It's a Wonderful Night" holiday celebration in the new Joaquin Plaza on December 4, 2009. The event was well- attended and featured horse drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa and entertainment including carolers and dancers from local schools. • The Agency constructed a temporary replacement parking lot at 262 Davis Street for use while the downtown parking garage is demolished and a new and larger garage is constructed consistent with the City's Transit Oriented Development Strategy. The new parking garage will allow for greater infill development as well as encourage people to park once and walk downtown. • The Agency entered into an agreement with Innisfree Ventures II to develop Town Hall Square (consisting of 212, 250, 262 and 290 Davis Street) consistent with the City's Transit Oriented Development Strategy. Preliminary planning efforts were initiated to explore opportunities for mixed -use development at the site.