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<br /> Mayor Gasparini announced that since this speaker took twelve minutes, twenty-eight <br /> minutes remain, and each subsequent speaker will be allowed two minutes. <br /> Councilwoman Steinfeld addressed the issue of discrimination and stated that a use <br /> outside the normal zoning use is actually granting of a gift. <br /> Mayor Gasparini called upon those in the audience who wished to speak to this <br /> appeal. <br /> Richard Hamilton, 631 Sapphire Street, presented a survey of properties with parking <br /> lots next to residential property. The survey consisted of eighteen churches in <br /> Redwood City and City parking lots. None had the restrictions on the permit granted <br /> this church. Mr. Hamilton stated that the senior center parking lot was separated by <br /> only a chain link fence, and he felt the restrictions were arbitrary and mandated to <br /> appease the neighbors, but it did not work. Mr. Hamilton added that other churches do <br /> not have the set back requirements attached to their permits, and some neighbors have <br /> structures on their lots that are not up to building codes of Redwood City. He urged <br /> the Council to base their decision on facts, including that no complaints had been filed <br /> on other parking lots. They are not a problem. <br /> Ernest Brede, 1329 St. Francisco Street, Redwood City, reviewed a transparency <br /> showing a plot map of the area. <br /> William J. Graney, 298 Beresford Avenue, Redwood City, reviewed a transparency <br /> showing a list of addresses in the neighborhood and owner's purchase date. He stated <br /> that one neighbor had chased Congregation members to not park in front of his house, <br /> and stated that attendance at the meetings generally never exceed 100 people. He <br /> urged Council to treat the congregations equitably. <br /> Philip Yackel, P. O. Box 825, Redwood City, stated that Jehovah's Witness worship is <br /> patterned after first century Christians, and there are no concerts nor social type events, <br /> etc., but strictly Bible education and ministerial training. Mr. Yackel pointed out that <br /> parking on public streets is legal and Jehovah's Witnesses tend to be happy, gregarious <br /> people. Mr. Yackel admitted that sometimes they do talk in the parking lot after a <br /> meeting, however, they now endeavor to whisper in the evening and use parking lights <br /> only when driving out of the lot. <br /> Alan Dorsett, 1175 Hudson Street, Redwood City, a 47-year resident, stated that the <br /> Kingdom Hall was built in 1950. Mr. Dorsett serves on a regional building committee <br /> for the Jehovah's Witness. Mr. Dorsett described the plan to use a quick-build method <br /> on the culvert and limit any damage an discomfort to neighbors. <br /> Ken Hamilton, 2831 Whipple Avenue, Redwood City, said that any construction <br /> would be within the set backs or on City property. They are estimating six to eight <br /> weeks for the project with three concrete pours, each would have a five day cure time. <br /> MINUTE BOOK NO. 53 <br /> Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes Page No. 401 <br /> October 30, 1995 <br /> Page 14 <br /> ...._-_... <br />