Minutes 1995 1204 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Minutes-City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting-December 4, 1995 Page - 11 - JOINT PUBLIC HEARING (continued) K. Rodney Krug, 1655 View Drive, Owner of Property at 800 Peralta Avenue, said he was against the Redevelopment Plan originally but was told there would be no eminent domain. He was told Redevelopment would pay for street improvements, lighting, etc. He understood, if property is not in the Redevelopment Area, the City cannot use eminent domain unless it is doing public improvements. L. Dick Kahler, President Bay Bank of Commerce, described the history, assets, loans, etc. , of the bank. He said many of the bank's loans are • for property within the affected area. He said out-of-town opportunists move local businesses from prime locations and the local businesses fail . He said the City should help properties that are here now and should be selective. He said the City Council should meet with • property owners and businesses being affected by these decisions and explain why the plan is important to the City. He said eminent domain would decrease property values because property owners won't maintain their property if it may be taken. He said, if the bank becomes subject to eminent domain, it would not be possible for them to move in 90 days. He said eminent . domain is a disaster for small business persons. M. Susan Riskind-Poulsen, North Area Business Development Task Force, 182 Sunnyside Drive, described the purpose of the Task Force. She discussed a presentation by Supervisor Wilma Chan regarding dual eminent domain zones. She expressed concern regarding the definition of blight applied to small or awkwardly laid out parcels, underutilized parcels, etc. She said the concern is that the gateway area which fits the definition of blight has zoning which does not permit replacement activities to move in and it is hard for retail to come in. She said the community wants multi-use, community-serving uses, not large apartment complexes. She said the City is re-engineering her neighborhood without her permission. Staff discussed the methods by which the Joint Redevelopment Plan is administered and zoning in the North Area. N. Ruth Bock, 303 Stoakes Avenue, 555 E. 14th Street, San Leandro Color, said Council Members stated they had to talk with the City Attorney before they could talk with her sister. Council Member Myers explained the entire City Council could not meet with Ms. Venters without a duly noticed public meeting. Mr. Bock said eminent domain takes a person's livelihood, income, self esteem, and is irresponsible on the City's part. She is concerned that her property will be added to eminent domain, and the possibility keeps them from improving their property. 0. Robert Hamilton, Industrial and Commercial Real Estate Broker for Casey/Merriman, Owners of Six Acres at the Costco Site, said the property was on the market for three years. He said the power of eminent domain makes things happen. His clients were very pleased with the outcome of their experience.