CC Min 1990-09-17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilman Murray expressed concern that the City would pay to move a very small old house that would need a very expensive second floor, and the proposed lessee would not have sufficient funds to cover the costs of enlarging the structure to an adequate size, leaving the City with an unusable substandard building. Vice Mayor Bury advised the purpose of this Public Hearing was to hear all the information about the house, moving costs and possible use, and expressed concern about the quality and look of the building. Chief Buildinq Official La Torra elaborated on the staff report describing additional work to be done to the building after it was established on the new foundation: utilities connections, insulation, weather stripping, electrical work and outlets, fireplace modifications, front porch corrective work and minor code repairs. Mr. La Torra downgraded condition from good to fair in his written report due to number of improvements needed. In response to questions from Council Mr. La Torra advised that personally he felt a new house would be more desirable than remodeling the house in question because of conservation and seismic improvements; the house without a garage with two covered spaces would be in violation of Redwood City code; the cost of new construction is approximately $85 /square foot. Council discussed termite report and damage to subfloors; approximate cost of $65,000 to provide minimum code requirements; applying same standards to City proposals as private ones; remodeled structure would have large lot coverage; zoning of area; only a single family home could be put on this lot as it is less than 6500 square feet; damage to the old house during moving; and impact of the house on the neighborhood. Mayor La Berge declared the Public Hearing open at 8:38 p.m. and invited anyone who wished to speak to the issue of accepting the donated house to please do so. The following people addressed the Council: Lou Belfort, 410 Hilton Street, opposed accepting and moving this house because of its intended use and suggested City sell the property and let someone build a new home. Rogelio Curincita, 700 Beech Street, asked Council not to approve moving house to this site as it would detract from the house he has built with his own hands for the future of his family. Thomas Curran, 1060 Whipple, building new condominiums at 603 Stambaugh, advised Council the proposed house moving is economically not feasible; additional costs of curbs, gutters, driveway etc. not mentioned; termite report shows dry rot and structural problems with hardwood floors; the house would sustain substantial damage if moved due to lath and plaster construction; and anyone could build a new house for less than it will cost to move and remodel this old house. In response to Council questions Mr. Curran advised a 2100 sq. ft. new house would cost approximately $175,000. Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 17, 1990 Page 2 MINUTE BOOK NO. 50 Page No. 063 11