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50 ; does not believe to be of benefit to him. Mr. Fales ex- plained that the activities of the district under dis- cussion are confined to promotional activities for businesses in the area and decorations for special events, observing that the improvements being installed by the City, and already installed on the 2600 Block, are part of a total City project for physical improvement of the downtown area. Joan Jordan, Jordan' s Arts & Crafts, Jefferson Street, advised she has 25 years of business experience in Redwood City and that although her store does not front on Broadway, she believes the promotional activities of the Area are a benefit to all downtown business and represent participation in the affairs of the community which the business owners wish to serve . Walter Small, 3832 Vineyard, Manager of J. C. Penney Co. stated that experience has been that voluntary contribu- tions for support of the type of activities conducted by the Improvement Area are not reliable and that the present fee system works well . Mr. Small acknowledged inequities might exist, but believed adjustments might be made, and commented concerning previous lack of cooperation from proprietors of businesses in the 2600 Block . Vince Buckhout, Vince ' s Office Supply Co. , 750 Hamilton, stated he has been a businessman in Redwood City for 16 years, and has served for three years on the Board of Directors of the Downtown Association. He commented un- favorably on his experience with most merchants in the 2600 Block and urged those present to participate in the Association. Mr. Buckhout urged the Council to deny the request for withdrawal. Lengthy discussion followed and Council, citizens and staff commented concerning the desirability of improving the entire downtown area; the fact that physical improve- ments of the area will be completed ahead of schedule and are expected to greatly enhance Broadway and improve business there ; the need for cooperation from all business- men to take advantage of the City project; whether or not the 2600 Block is isolated from the rest of Broadway; the possibility of correcting alleged inequities in fees paid to the Improvement Area; the participation which might be expected from public spirited institutions doing business in the community, whether there are measurable degrees of benefit to be derived from promotional activities; and the consideration by the Downtown Action Committee, the Park and Recreation Commission, the Planning Commission and the City Council with regard to the entire City improvement project and the inclusion of the 2600 Block. Hugh Green, Ben Franklin Store , 2129 Broadway, suggested that the 2600 Block merchants should be able to attract a large part of the downtown business, since it is the entrance to the downtown from El Camino Real. Mr. Green urged all downtown businessmen to get together and take full advantage of the beautification project by the City, thereby creating an attractive downtown for the community which will also be of greater value to all of those doing business there . -4- Reg.Mtg. 6/23/75