Minutes 1995 1106 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes - San Leandro City Council Meeting - November 6, 1995 Page - 3 - PUBLIC COMMENTS (continued) B. Lou Filipovich, 15376 Laverne Drive, supported use of an Interim Ordinance to prohibit a transfer station, but said he is opposed to public redevelopment without the voters' approval . He said redevelopment siphons funds from schools, and small businesses and citizen property rights are abused. He said 94 cities in California spend more Redevelopment money than they do for police and fire. He said property owners have a tough time making ends meet. He said we need elected officials who will deliver something of benefit to the average homeowner. C. Julia Rodrigues, 1280 Oakes Boulevard, spoke in favor of the proposal for a temporary ice skating facility. She said it is a pure and wholesome activity for children and will bring a lot of people into the downtown. In response to Council questions, she said her child would probably use it once a week, and the fee is reasonable. D. Nichaela Romero, 1280 Oakes Boulevard, said she is 10 years old and has loved ice skating since she saw it on the Olympics. She said she must go out of town to Berkeley or Dublin to skate and would like to be able to go downtown during the holiday season because there is hardly anything for kids to do. E. Stacy Santilena, said she is nine years old and thinks the skating rink is a fantastic idea. She said she wishes there were more things for kids to do in San Leandro. F. Jack Papazian, 3425 Big Oak Court, Hayward, Representing Safeway, said the ice rink is a wonderful idea but proposed for the wrong place. He said parking is a problem on a normal basis in the Plaza. The loss of 13 parking spaces is not a problem, but questioned where the 125 people who will use the rink will park. He said there will be security problems, especially in the evenings. He urged the City Council to disapprove the rink. He said it could be moved to Bayfair. G. Mike Kapetanich, 2181 East 14th Street, said 125 people doesn't mean 125 cars because kids will get rides from their parents, take public transportation or walk. He said people now drive all the way to Dublin or Berkeley to skate. He said skating does not attract people who contribute to violence, and the rink should draw a lot of money and will be beneficial . He said he represented JM Fabric store, and they have no objection to the rink, and they overlook the parking lot. H. Ken Pon, 2762 Lakeview Drive, said he is a small business owner in San Leandro and a member of the Downtown Business Association (DBA) . He said the ice rink people talked to about 12 people who all thought this was a great idea to give a jump start for the holiday season. It will draw people downtown, provide a lot of business for local merchants, and provide needed activities for children.