CC Min 1983-10-25 Jnt - Laserfiche WebLink

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MOTION: Biagi /Mosher to have the City Attorney research what other ordinances could be put on the books to provide the tools to upgrade the appearance of the City and also to advise as to what cannot be done; to establish a Citizen Task Force; and that Council and Planning Commission direct staff to look at legal and practical alternatives for correcting the problems. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MINUTE ORDER NO. 83 -155 Adult Businesses Comments with regard to adult businesses related to the fact that they contribute to blight, and to the exodus of the more desirable kinds of business; that many parents have complained about the existence of the book shop on E1 Camino Real; that the same book shop is in violation of the Code; that the classic ways of regulating this type of business is by either establishment of an additional business district, or by disbursing them, but with limitations with respect to distances from other uses; and that it did not seem that a community should resign itself to allowing their existence. It was suggested that to set up a special area to provide for the so- called adult business implies that it is acceptable, and yet destroys a whole area. Also noted was the fact that the vacancy rate for shops near the book store is very high, and that the store presents an extremely poor image for that important block of downtown. The store's violations of the City's sign ordinances were discussed, and it was suggested that staff look at the property to see what can be done, and to determine what code violations exist. City Manager Smith advised that the report to be provided shortly will address those problems. Housing Overcrowdinq Planning Director Schroeter noted that the Housing Code does limit the number of people per a given size dwelling, and it was noted in the ensuing discussion that the City has passed an ordinance some time ago defining what comprises a family, but that it does not address the overcrowing issue; that there are numerous cases in Redwood City of many families living together, and that the reason is that there is a belief that Redwood City is an area where this kind of overcrowding is tolerated and the property owner can get by with it. City Manager Smith indicated that the problem might be alleviated as more progress is made in the Redevelopment Agency program. Assistant City Attorney Maloney observed that the problems involve not only over- crowding, but also exploitation of illegal aliens, who accept the overcrowding and paying of excessive rents, and have no one to complain to; that only where there are serious health violations does it come to official attention. Joint Meeting Council /Planning 10/25/83 Page 3 MINUTE BOOK NO. 44 Page No. 262