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7.1.C. - Page 14 <br /> gave the Financial District in San Francisco as an example of that area solely having <br /> office space and that after hours many people are gone and not walking around. In <br /> comparison, he said that by having businesses downtown, it is creating vibrancy <br /> because people are also living downtown, businesses have built in customers, and <br /> there is additional parking. <br /> Moreover, the Council Member asked about the height and architecture if there is <br /> opportunity to make modifications to the Plan. Director Aknin replied affirmatively that <br /> the Council always has the opportunity. Furthermore, Staff can assist the developer with <br /> creating the preferred design look. <br /> Another Council Member would like to vote on the third option. She said that adding the <br /> little amount of square footage for an office will not make Redwood City a Financial <br /> District. She believes that there is already a balance. Furthermore, she stated that <br /> more communication needs to take place on this matter. She believes that the City is <br /> moving forward with the blueprint of what the community wanted. She mentioned that <br /> quality of life is at the base of this Plan. She reiterated that the City is not changing the <br /> residential areas, only what the community has put together. <br /> Vice Mayor Foust shared her personal story of moving to Redwood City and how there <br /> were no businesses in the downtown area. She reminisced how the Downtown area <br /> particularly the Cinema /Retail and Courthouse Square has changed, but also the <br /> community has changed. She explicitly stated that she is not up for a Downtown <br /> Precise Plan II, because the community has gone through a lot. However, she supports <br /> the proposed residential units converted to new Office space. <br /> Moreover, Vice Mayor Foust mentioned her optimistic but cautious thoughts on the El <br /> Camino Project, the need for more opportunities of affordable housing especially for <br /> senior population, and her advocacy for and services to all members of Redwood City <br /> not the developers. She also pointed out a few people, who work in the Technical <br /> Industry, and how they take part and /or are encouraged to get involved in Redwood City <br /> communities. <br /> One more Council Member said that the DTPP /MAD will enhance the quality of life, not <br /> diminish it, and gave examples of how so. He brought up the issue that construction <br /> projects are not fun to be in the middle of it; but, in the end when it is completed, it is <br /> worth it. He also addressed the issue of balance and feels that this is balanced, <br /> because the Downtown Precise Plan has clear guiding principles that were shaped by <br /> the community coming together. He opines that these small changes are balancing with <br /> the original proposals from the document. He said he will support Option Three. <br /> Another Council Member thanked the speakers for sharing their comments with the <br /> Council. She felt that it helped her understand their concerns and she appreciated the <br /> conversation she had with her colleagues. She said that she does not like making <br /> changes, but she felt that this is a small shift she could accept. Nonetheless, she felt <br /> that the City does need to look at the traffic and congestion and traffic flow, as well as <br /> have a retail strategy that talks about attraction and how that will happen. <br /> JOINT CITY COUNCIL /SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD December 8, 2014 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 14 <br />