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7.1.E. - Page 8 <br /> development deals for both residents and developers, and that, speaking from this <br /> perspective, he said that this city's real estate market is one of the most sought after on <br /> the West coast with downtown representing a core institutional market. Given the <br /> stature and strength of this city, he said it is now in a position to consider a robust <br /> community benefits program and that there is an expectation for this to be predicable, <br /> transparent, well-defined, and also preserving the flexibility and adjustability for when <br /> the market will change. <br /> Amy Buckmaster, President and CEO of the Redwood City San Mateo County Chamber <br /> of Commerce and representing over one thousand members, spoke in favor of <br /> approving the Community Benefits framework. She said downtown Redwood City is <br /> thriving and she spoke in favor of supporting it because these business owners deserve <br /> these benefits too and this will make things stronger, by reinvesting in housing for all, <br /> parks, schools, arts, and jobs. <br /> Gino Gasparini, a lifelong resident, spoke in support of Community Benefits as both a <br /> resident and business leader in Redwood City and San Mateo County. He said that this <br /> city has proven that it is desirable and it is time to expect more from future developers in <br /> a fair and responsible way through increased development fees that will promote good <br /> jobs and public benefits. <br /> Council Discussion <br /> Mayor Gee thanked everyone for being respectful of the various. One Council Member <br /> said that she is sure Council wants to do it all. She asked specific questions about the <br /> art percent proposal and the in lieu fee. Mr. Aknin added clarity by saying that some <br /> cities do it one way and other do it via an in lieu fee. This Council Member also inquired <br /> about the water allocation for development. Mr. Aknin clarified that by law every <br /> development, on a plan and project by project basis, gets studied and assessed to <br /> make sure there is enough water allocated. <br /> One Council Member inquired if the tiered zoning could be applied to different projects <br /> and different types and Mr. Aknin said he would need to take a close look at that issue. <br /> One Council Member inquired about the impact of the current proposal and the five <br /> projects that are in the pipeline. Mr. Aknin said that the ones that have an approved <br /> application will be grandfathered in but the other ones will have to be consideration and <br /> decision by Council. Dr. Bell said as part of the negotiations the city will be requesting <br /> community benefits. <br /> Another Council Member inquired about the Transportation Demand Management and <br /> she finds this a real opportunity to embrace, as well as providing a range of jobs for the <br /> community. The height of buildings and the connection to community benefits <br /> contribution was discussed. This Council Member would like to see more than 20% of <br /> Affordable Housing being considered and pursued. There was full Council support for <br /> the Community Fund. <br /> One Council Member thanked the community for the input and he appreciated the <br /> outreach that staff did and Mr. Aknin gave credit to Diana O'Dell for collecting all the <br /> inputs. He believes the current process is like remodeling a house and we are going <br /> JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD/ March 23, 2015 <br /> PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES PAGE 8 <br />