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Minutes-City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting-December 4, 1995 Page - 9 - JOINT PUBLIC HEARING (continued) A. John Chovanes, 2086 Hillside Drive, Part Owner of Chovanes Ford on East 14th Street, said he owns property and does not want to sell it, nor should he have to. He said that is the fundamental issue, and it is enough reason for the Council to vote against eminent domain. In response to questions, Mr. Chovanes said his property is not in the proposed area. B. Doug Federighi , Owner of Property at 14845-14895 East 14th Street, asked that his property be included in the Bal Eden Node so that he can • take advantage of eminent domain. He said he has owned property in Plazas 1 and 2 which is subject to eminent domain and has had no financing problems. He is presently in contract on his shopping center, and one of the elements that will dictate its sale and • redevelopment is the tax implication. Redevelopment without eminent domain ties the hands of the development community and the property 'owner; the financial benefits of eminent domain are overwhelming; and benefits flow from eminent domain being in place. C. Alan Cordoza, 4891 James, Castro Valley, owner of Peterson Auto, said his business has been in its location for 70 years. He asked why the Islander Motel was not included in the Islander Node and said it is a major problem. Ms. Potter said no residential multi-family or multi- tenant properties were included, but the problems with the Islander are being addressed on different fronts. Mr. Cordoza said he is not happy about eminent domain. D. Ray Switzer, Production Pattern and Foundry Company, Marina Boulevard, said he has been in business since 1956 and employs 75 people, with wages over $14/hour and medical , dental , and retirement benefits. He asked why his business is no longer desirable for the City of San Leandro. He said the City wants to make his property available for developers with low- or minimum-wage jobs. He said he resents people saying his property is blighted. He said he has been told his property will not be seized and, therefore, feels the City Council does not need eminent domain. He, said the City Council has a responsibility to people who have paid taxes throughout the years, not developers coming in. E. James Begier, 1990 Lee Avenue, said eminent domain cannot legally proceed when the public interest has not been heard. He said the City should not be in the real estate business; the ice rink should have been done by the private sector. He said he and others made phone calls to the City Council ; some members were out of town and others said they couldn't comment until they spoke to the City Attorney. 100% of the people at the November 20th meeting were against eminent domain. Perk's moved to Hayward and is now out of business, and the City lost thousands of dollars of revenue. He said it is poor management for the City Manager to engage in the process. He said eminent domain is illegal . He said putting everyone on the list then taking them off was a tactic. He said every American deserves to own property.