ShorelineMarina Highlights 2009 0121, 0225, 0318 & 0415

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Shoreline CAC January 21, 2009 Meeting Highlights Page 12 projects were unable to obtain financing due to the economy. He also summarized various market studies that the City had contracted and the valuable lessons learned. First, it was determined in the early 2000's that the market area could support a 200-room, full -service, conference -style destination hotel, preferably on the former Blue Dolphin site. Additionally, developers and investors were interested in developing the entire area, as opposed to developing the area site by site. Discussion ensued regarding the following: • Did the past feasibility studies include comments or recommendations on the condition of Marina Boulevard? The Marina Boulevard corridor along the industrial areas has been described by investors as needing improvements to enhance the drive to the shoreline area. • Was a cost benefit analysis done? A rudimentary cost benefit study had been performed without being too complicated and having specific figures. • Was a Redevelopment Plan ever considered for the Shoreline Area? The shoreline area is not in a Redevelopment Area because it would have been difficult to make required blight findings in the 1990's when adding the area was considered. Although the vacant boat slips and Blue Dolphin pillars constitute blight, the conditions do not meet current State blight requirements. • Why are hotel and restaurants important components of past studies? Restaurants, a banquet facility and hotel are necessary to support golf course tournaments. Additionally, there has been a public outcry for these amenities since the closure of the Blue Dolphin. • Did the market studies ever consider retail, office or residential uses in the shoreline area? Past market studies have indicated that retail uses alone could not be supported as there is insufficient area for mass retail uses and residential development. A retail developer initially proposed to be the master developer of the site, then withdrew their application due to the size of the development area. • What is the status of the Comcast Cable property on Marina Boulevard? The Comcast property is owned by the City, is now vacant and available for development. • What local companies have a demand for hotels. The General Manager of the Marina Inn, Audrey Velasquez, replied OSI, a software company on Davis Street, Wachovia, and Energy Recovery Inc., were a few San Leandro based companies that were repeat guests at the Marina Inn. Additional CAC comments included the following: • The Mulford Branch Library site should be included into the Shoreline Study Area as it appears the library has outgrown the dated building. The CAC should also consider museum, theater, outdoor amphitheater, residential, and commercial uses for future development.