RDA Min 1984-05-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Item No.3 (continued) Mr. Smith introduced Bryan Greenwald, of the architectural planning firm of Hall, Goodhue, Haisley and Barker, who have been involved in redevelopment projects in Monterey, Napa and Santa Rosa. Mr. Greenwald provided background information on his firm and a review of the design plans for Monterey, Napa and Santa Rosa, the circumstances and characteristics of each that made redevelopment desirable; and the fact that in each case an existing predominent theme was utilized, and each strived for design excellence. He stated that the key element of a strong downtown was the commitment on the part of the leadership that downtown was to be the heart of the city, and involve diverse activities. A slide presentation was then given depicting what has been accomplished in those three cities. Following the slide presentation, Mr. Greenwald commented and replied to questions by the Board, noting that what is needed is the enthusiasm and commitment of CouncillAgency for the project, and for them to take the lead; the desirability of compactness; that he believed Redwood City should salvage some of the historic locations and that the "old town" concept would be applicable in Redwood City similar to that in Los Gatos; that land costs will make structured parking necessary; and that where there is a shortfall in redevelopment agency funds, assessment district procedures can be used. Planning Director Schroeter concluded the presentation with a review of the relationship between redevelopment and the general plan process; the charge by Council to the Planning Commission to develop a downtown plan to replace the one prepared in 1964 by Livingston and Blaney; the resultant improvements to sidewalks in the downtown area and the diversion of through traffic from Broadway to Marshall Street; the development of a set of goals: to improve the retail function of downtown, to develop a focus for urban life for the City, to gain a safer and more pleasant environment for the users of , downtown, and develop functional and appropriate land use patterns for downtown. Using a drawing displayed on the wall of the downtown plan, he pointed out various features, such as the governmental centers, office, retail and residential, and transportation center. He indicated that little progress has been made to implement the plan because downtown Redwood City is not sufficiently in a state of deterioration to motivate the City to take action. Discussion followed regarding the fact that improvements in the downtown area have taken place; whether the plan must be accepted as it is or allowances made for revision; that if the plan is not what Council wants, then one should be developed that they would be satisfied with; and that it is important to have plans, and commitment to those plans, but with some flexibility. ' Chairman Britschgi stated that the next monthly study meeting of the Redevelopment Agency will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 18, 1984. Chairman Britschgi invited anyone in the audience to speak. speak. No one wished to Redev. Agency 5/21/84 Page 4 MINUTE BOOK NO. 45 Page No. 21 ---,----'------'-'--- ----..' .-,--~-----_.._-