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<br />In answer to Council questions, Planning Director Patterson described goal <br />of new "CBR" to change the climate in the Downtown Area, to discourage junk <br />shops, and retain quality retail stores. <br /> <br />Mayor La Berge declared the Public Hearing open at 9:55 p.m., and invited <br />anyone who wished to speak to please do so. <br /> <br />The following people addressed the Council: <br /> <br />Geri Mayers, 2303 Broadway, spoke against the new "CBR" designation, <br />stating the Downtown area is a financial area now, and requiring Use <br />Permits will make tenants and owners reconsider locating in the area; <br />also, people who work in those offices are customers, too. <br /> <br />Donald Wilson, 928 Middlefield, asked that his building which houses his law <br />offices be excluded from this district, as it is sufficiently far enough <br />from the Downtown area to be out of character for a retail center. <br /> <br />Elizabeth Wilson, 928 Middlefield, described her husband's and her dream of <br />someday selling their practice and building and advised Council that this <br />new designation would decrease the property's marketability by requiring <br />a Use Permit for "office use" on the ground floor. <br /> <br />In response to Council questions, Planning Director Patterson explained <br />existing use could be maintained for as long as the owners desire, as long <br />as the premises are not left vacant for over six months. <br /> <br />Joseph Staudt, 2611 Broadway spoke in favor of this ordinance as needed to <br />keep existing retail stores in place, and to encourage more. <br /> <br />Bob Peterson, Sequoia Stationers, urged passage of the ordinance as vital to <br />retail activity in Redwood City and sense of identity. Mr. Peterson <br />described need for foot traffic for small retail sales stores such as <br />are on Broadway right now. <br /> <br />Mayor La Berge asked if anyone else wished to speak. <br />speak. <br /> <br />M/S: Bury/Murray to close the Public Hearing. <br />Carried by unanimous voice vote and Public Hearing closed at 10:32 P.M. <br /> <br />No one else wished to <br /> <br />City Manager Smith asked Council to think about the future when the economic <br />condition improves and the benefits of Council decisions become apparent, <br />such as the facade program, new sidewalks, and the new "CBR" is in place to <br />encourage retail businesses. <br /> <br />M/S: Claire/Greenalch to approve Ordinance designating "CBR" and adding <br />Letter "T" to Section 26.4 Conditional Uses, permitting "financial <br />institutions and office fronts." <br /> <br />MINUTE BOOK NO. 50 <br />Page No. 398 <br /> <br />Regular Meeting Minutes <br />November 4, 1991 <br />Page 6 <br /> <br />- ~.~ ~~ - <br /> <br />--- - ----- - -- -- -- - --- - - -- -- --- --- -- - --- .~ <br /> <br />- - ---, - - --- -- - -- -- - - -- <br />