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Eminent Domain -3- February 9, 1996 Property Owner Comments Of the property owners reached, three support the City's proposal to extend eminent domain to their property. In these instances, the property owners were very familiar with the benefits of eminent domain. Three other property owners were neutral or not opposed. These property owners expressed concern that an eminent domain designation could hinder opportunities to sell their property on the private market, but indicated a willingness to work with the City if eminent domain authority was extended to their property. Eighteen property owners were opposed to the extension of eminent domain. As mentioned above, three of the property owners could not be reached for comment. Ten property owners never returned repeated staff phone calls. Extension of Eminent Domain Authority to a Limited Number of Parcels After studying the remaining properties, staff has identified three areas comprised of fourteen parcels it is recommending be included in the extension of eminent domain authority. The properties are described below and are listed in the attached exhibits. The identified parcels are significantly blighted and in some instances constitute a potential risk to the health and safety of the general community. Characteristics exhibited by the identified parcels include: aging, deteriorating, unsafe and poorly maintained buildings; inadequate and obsolete infrastructure; incompatible adjacent or nearby uses that prevent economic development; code violations and unsafe conditions; high crime rates; and the existence of hazardous waste. These sites have the potential to have significant adverse impacts on neighboring property values. The following areas are recommended for extension of eminent domain authority: The Islander Motel (2398 East 14th Street) - At the December 4 Public Hearing, several Council members expressed concern about the Islander Motel and asked why it was not included in the Islander Node. Given the history of enforcement actions and police activity at the site, Council members felt its ultimate redevelopment was key to the revitalization of the Islander Node and the whole of East 14th Street. The Motel is currently the object of active enforcement efforts by both the police and Community Standards. In the month of January alone, the Police answered over 30 calls to the property. The Police and Community Standards staff are working with the owner to encourage improvement in the management and potential reuse of the Islander Motel property. Any long-term solution for reuse of the property will not come without a private -public partnership. Maskell Property (14500, 14530 East 14th Street/14433 Bancroft Avenue) - The Maskell property consists of a number of businesses. The business fronting on East 14th Street sells camper shells. Behind that business are a number of trucking -related businesses, ranging from the rental of individual truck parking spaces to truck repair businesses. Some of the businesses are legal, non -conforming uses, but others are operating without zoning approvals or business licenses. Community Standards staff has an active enforcement case on the property. In addition to illegal and incompatible uses, the site has a large accumulation of junk and inoperable vehicles. The site's long history of trucking related uses has resulted in the property being seriously contaminated with hazardous waste. Clean-up costs preclude any private redevelopment of the site and act as a disincentive for the property owner to sell the property and realize a more compatible use on the site. Without a public/private partnership to reuse the property, on -going violations and enforcement action, illegal and non -conforming uses and lack of investment in the property -- 311