AgdaPkt 2005-06-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Nita Spangler gave the history of the city being laid out in 1852 stating that it has evolved to this point and it is an interesting plan. She expressed her hope for no buildings over 6 stories and asked about the possibility of building lofts in the downtown area. John Anagnostou stated that Redwood City recently reached a tipping point because of the investment of staff and time in building the retail/cinema project; the courthouse annex coming down; and the plaza about to be built. tie responded to the questions about real estate citing various projects in the works. He further stated that both affordable and market rate housing is needed in the downtown. He stated his excitement and thanked the c.ouncil and consultant. .... Shawn White thanked staff and the consultant for the great plan, expressing his concern for parks. He stated that the Park and Recreation Commission has been working tò expand the park inventory and with the needs for housing in the ~ downtown, comes increased population and increased need for parks. He stated that Mezes and Jardin de Ninos are too far and unsafe for children; incorporating streams into the plan. Dennis Logie stateJJ. his' same reaction as to the General Plan which is that of excitèment about ':what it proposes, he is a proponent of the old downtown experience with the integration of, shops and housing. His concern is about churches, stating that there is currently ju~ one church in tbe dowrtLùv.'n. He stated that churches provide enhancements such as auditoriums, classrooms used for preschools, private events, youth group meetings and open space. ---- Dr. Sadri Khalessi, a developer waiting for answers from the City, applauded the recommendation for an interim solution. His recommendation was that it may be good to have the developers work in close contact with the consultant so that testing of the concepts can be done. Michael Freedman stated that the plan would first go to staff, staff will review and direct on items needing revision, a public distribution draft wm be provided incorporating that staff direction, and it will come through the hearing process. He stated that at this point, it is more than 3/4ths of the way through and the draft is to be produced within 30 days after the end of the study session series. He summarized that more details are needed; speeding up of the process was requested; more specificity on open space; check into the topic of the creek; specifics on height, land use and development to be addressed in the last series. Recommendation: This meeting was not intended as a deèfsicfn-making session. The City's urban design consultant - Michael Freedman - reported on what was heard from the CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION WITH PLANNING COMMISSION AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 13, 2005 PAGE 5