1966 301-328 _ 9-26 cont. to 10-24-1966

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r4 Glen Smallcomb, owner of Five -Points Shopping Center appeared to state that all the businesses inside this Center are suffer- ing great financial loss because there is no easy access to the Center unless the barrier is removed. Report read giving background of this problem and also present Staff Analysis. a. The State has recommended against the opening of Oak Ave., _. but will grant permission to the City should the City wish to proceed with the project. b. Accidents on the E1 Camino Real, where the barrier is located, have been reduced from 155-65 -- a decrease of 90. It is felt that opening the barrier will have an adverse effect on our accident experience. c. The cost of the project, including channelization and signals, is estimated to be approximately $25,000. The State would not contribute funds for the work to be performed. d. The project would require the elimination of curb parking on the opposite side of the E1 Camino Real, thereby imposing a great hardship on the owners of the fronting commercial properties. RECOMMENDATION: Although your Staff is fully aware of the circumstances which prompted this request, we are of the opinion that the project, in view of the foregoing factors, is not justified. We, therefore, recommend against proceeding with the project." Mr. Smallcomb questioned if there are any alternatives. City Manager stated that the Staff recommendation is, that barrier not be opened; but if Council desires, State would not object to it being opened, but will not parti cipate in the cost. The cost would be $25,000, which includes signalization. He explained that when barrier was broken at Center Street, the cost was split by -" City, State and Gemco, and does not know if owners of stores in Shopping Center would want to contribute to have the barrier broken and signalized. He stated State is opposed to breaking it at Redwood Avenue. Police Chief stated his recommendation was not to open it. Should it be opened, it must have signalization, and would eliminate loading zone for Farmer's Market. Councilman Rosselli questioned, if there is a possibility of meeting with the proper= ty owners to see if they would be willing to contribute to the cost of opening the barrier. Police Chief reminded Council that if barrier is broken, street parking would be eliminated. Mr. William Darezzo, 12724 Plymouth Drive, Saratoga, owner of Starlite Super, appeared to support the opening of the barrier. Mr. James Arnett, owner of one of the stores in the Shopping Center appeared to support opening of the barrier. Dr. Paul Young, Redwood City Civic Assn., appeared to state that citizens are complaining that they cannot get to the stores and the Association is in support of opening barrier. Barbara McCann, representing Chamber of Commerce appeared to state Chamber is in support of opening barrier. Motion by Councilman Granger to refer this to Staff, Police Dept. and come up with some suggestion, or recommendation within one week. There was no second.