CC MIN 1975 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

49 compared to other financial institutions which are not permitted by law to participate . Mr. Green suggested' that Fireside would probably be willing to donate to the Improvement Area but objects to being part of it, and advised that those he represents wish to withdraw . Richard Koral, Castle Realty, 2602 Broadway, advised that he had instigated the requested withdrawal since he does not believe he benefits from the activities con- ducted for retail stores and that only three such, stores are now located in the subject Block. Mr. Koral sug- gested that City employees should, not be used to collect the fees and administer the funds of the Area . It was explained that the State Streets and Highways Code pro- vides that the fee be collected by the City and that the business license tax be the basis for determination∎ of the fee ; the funds are collected by the City and turned over to the Downtown Association to administer for the Area, while the City provides the audit function'. Discussion followed and Mr. Koral replied to questions concerning possible benefits accruing to any business located on Broadway by increased retail store traffic ; benefits to non-retail business from the employees of retail stores located in the area ; possible inequities in the formula for determining appropriate fees ; the lack of success experienced by similar districts which attempted to operate on voluntary donations of funds; the business categories anticipated when the Improvement Area was established; and the fact that Mr. Koral did not discuss his problems with the Downtown Association be- fore approaching the Council with the request for with- drawal. In response to question, City Attorney Schricker advised that at, Mr. Koral ' s request he had told him only about the technique available if a block wished to withdraw from the Improvement Area . Norm Kaufman, 2205 Broadway, Formerly 2650 Broadway, disagreed with comments made by Mr. Koral, stating that merchants in the 2600 Block do benefit from District activities . Mr. Kaufmann, stated that the parade and bicycle races could not be conducted' on the 2600 Block because El Camino Real is a State highway and traffic cannot be interrupted there . He reported' that downtown businessmen had believed inclusion of the subject Block in the City Downtown beautification project might en- courage the proprietors of businesses in the Block to become more active in their own behalf. Mr. Kaufman recommended that the withdrawal request be postponed until the City project for Broadway is completed and District members can get together to work out any special problems that might exist for those in the 2600 Block . Dread J. Rhymes, 2650 Broadway, Redwood Pastry Shop, sug- gested the 2600 Block is a slum and an unsafe area and he regrets moving there . Mr. Rhymes stated he favors a mer- chants association for the downtown area, but does not wish to be forced to contribute to a district which he -3- ± Reg.Mtg. 6/23/75