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for a public park. A dialogue could occur with the church involving a possible land swap plus cash and a use permit to allow Bethlehem AD to be staged. Subsequent slides showed pictures of what Redwood City could look like using photos of houses from other cities. He suggested creative ways of achieving private and public partnerships, ideally getting private developers interested in that part of the city. He stated that the purpose was to offer some ideas and at some later date his hope is to have discussion about the concepts. He shared possible next steps such as request that City staff explore the costs and funding for under grounding of utilities; discussion of land use with PCC church; creation of a task force of key stakeholders; research of funding; and development of a precise plan. He stated that he would be giving the same presentation at the General Plan meeting at the library on February 15. Council Members comments included the desire to have the concepts considered as part of the overall Downtown Plan which is set to return to Council prior to being placed in the General Plan; consider balancing resources and opportunities, and consider the timing related to the land mentioned for potential park use for the downtown. Council Members thanked Council Member Bain for the effort and creativity. Interest in potential funding for both historic preservation and neighborhood improvements was mentioned; a dialogue with the church and the concern that it is very clear to the residents and property owners that it is only a conceptual and early discussion phase. The opportunity to open up and improve other entry ways was mentioned, such as Broadway out toward Arguello. Public Comment: Maria Diaz Vivian thanked Council Member Bain for his interest and stated that the neighborhood association has participated with the Downtown Task Force. At that point the entry way was focused more toward Veterans and the idea was to return the neighborhood atmosphere back to the Stambaugh - Heller area. She stated that there is a renewed interest by the longtime property owners in the neighborhood. She emphasized the need for housing in close proximity to the downtown and various services. Nita Spangler thanked Council Member Bain for the presentation, stating here interest in historic preservation noting that it is not necessary to make everything the way it used to be. She asked to consider leaving the character intact with its cottages and encouraged employers' participation with nonprofit corporations to aid the situation for people. JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND FEBRUARY 14, 2005 REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING MINUTES PAGE 5 MINUTES BOOK NO. 60 Page No. 407