Minutes 1994 0718 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Minutes - San Leandro City Council Meeting - July 18, 1994 Page - 18 - PUBLIC HEARINGS. (continued) Thomas Combs, 61 Georgia Way, expressed concern regarding parking problems which could result on East 14th Street and the need for a theme to be created to attract additional stores to the area. He said at one time the City was considering extending City Hall to this area, and that put a damper on development of the site. He said developers who were not interested in the site eight years ago may be interested now. He said increased traffic could be hazardous to children crossing Dutton Avenue. Frank Fehn, 507 East Merle Court, said he owns an insurance agency near Victoria Circle and has put a lot of money into it. He said he owns two buildings in this area, and none of his tenants are against Walgreen's. He said everyone should get together to fight blight and said he thinks this is a good idea. Al Frates, 739 Bridge Road, said the area on East 14th Street from the border has been run down. He said this project is a god-send, and a grand opportunity for progress in the right direction. He said many new businesses will be interested in the area after Walgreen's moves in, and said he felt sure the City would take the necessary steps for safety and traffic mitigation. Richard Lechner, 925 Ramona Way, asked Mr. Kruger a number of questions related to traffic. Mr. Lechner said there is already a problem in the neighborhood without traffic from a Walgreen's. He said Walgreen's should support the blockade of Haas Avenue because it is the best way to mitigate the situation in the neighborhood. Gene Powers, 538 Haas Avenue, said drivers do not stop at the stop sign currently on Haas Avenue. He said more stop signs and traffic circles will not help. He said traffic is a threat to children on the street. He also said improvements to the City are okay, but not at the cost of safety to children on public streets. Susan Young, 760 Lee Avenue, said before the apartments were constructed, there was very little traffic on Lee Avenue, but it has increased considerably. She said their son was nearly hit by a car on Lee Avenue. She said there are three drugstores within walking distance and Safeway is five minutes away. She said it is important to ensure the continuity and investment to the neighborhood, and make sure it is a place where children can play and ride their bicycles. She said Haas Avenue should be closed off. Ms. Young said there is a need to balance business and commerce with family. Bill Young, 760 Lee Avenue, said he agreed with his wife' s concerns. He said if the project was approved without mitigation, it would have a significant impact on the neighborhood. He said people feel that they have been victimized by Negative Declarations in the past. He said the City should close Haas Avenue and protect the children and quality of life of the City.