BusHsgDev Highlights 2011 0512 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Battenberg explained that the scope of this project, referred to as "Lit San Leandro," is still being defined and many questions remain. Mr. Kennedy has asked for a 12 month Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENRA) while the City evaluates the project to ensure the City will not shop this project around while the costs and benefits are being researched. Battenberg explained that the City has put together a multi- departmental team of City staff to evaluate Lit San Leandro, however assistance from an industry expert is needed to better evaluate the feasibility of the project, and assist in determining the value of the conduit. Additionally, an industry expert can aid the City in developing a broadband policy and strategy for bringing service to unserved and underserved areas of San Leandro. Staff spoke to numerous experts in the field and selected three companies to interview. Based upon interviews and proposals, staff is recommending the Redevelopment Agency enter into a consultant services agreement not to exceed $45,000 with Steve Blum of Tellus Ventures for assistance in evaluating Lit San Leandro and in developing a broadband policy and strategy for our un/underserved areas. Staff is also recommending that the Business & Housing Development Committee forward the ENRA with OSlsoft to negotiate a License Agreement for use of City conduit, and the consultant services agreement with Tellus Ventures to the City Council for review and approval. The Committee and various members of the public including Mike Katz, Dale Reed, Sonny Tong, and Gaye Quinn spoke in support of Lit San Leandro as an important business attraction and retention tool. Recommendation: The Committee recommended forwarding the Exclusive Right to Negotiate with OSlsoft and the Consulting Services Agreement with Tellus Ventures to the City Council for review and approval. 2. Discussion of Proposal to Acquire /renovate Lakeside Village Apartments. Planning Manager Liao informed the Committee that the City has been meeting with a development team made up of Jackson Square Properties and Standard Property Company who are in negotiations to purchase and renovate the Lakeside Village Apartments, an 840 unit apartment building located at 4170 Springlake Drive. The developers will apply for tax- credit financing to convert the entire apartment complex to affordable /workforce housing. Liao explained that no approvals are required by the City, and developers have been very courteous in keeping City staff informed on progress of this project. The Committee discussed how the developers intended to work with the current residents as the project was converted to affordable /workforce housing. Jeff Jaegar of Standard Property Company explained that most of the residents meet the income requirements to continue living in the apartment complex once it is converted to affordable /workforce housing. Jeff also explained