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that a downtown is extremely meaningful. He commented that this project will �reate new synergy downtown, where people will go shopping, go to the movies, go eat out, etc. He believes in the adage that "It is better to have tried, than to not have tried at all". Dave Simpson, requested thorough semantics clarification on the meaning of "revitalization", and if it means that we are hoping stores will be open in the PM time, and 7 days a week. His concern is that the current business owners might be displaced if they don't comply with the new concept of "revitalization." - - - Richard Panelli, stated that the staff presentation was very good, however his main questions focus is on capital expenditures and an altemative plan in case we need to convert to something else. Panelli, shazed that if he was a downtown merchant he would be at every public meeting applauding the developers and council because of the possibility of 40 million increase in sales. Encourages council to involve downtown merchants more. Gary Dilley, resident of Redwood City for 48 yeazs, shared concerns about increased traffic. While Dilley is not against development and change, he does believe that the project will attract too much traffic. Peter Eberle, received additional time donated by Fred Ganjei. Eberle, director of the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz, wanted to shaze the first hand effect of a cinema complex in a downtown. While in the beginning there were concerns, with time the retail began to develop and flourish because people were downtown and were willing to shop. Additionally, not all business chose to stay open late, but with time more and more business did. He stated that for Santa Cruz, it has been a complete success. Randy Blair, said that he is the owner of "Pizza and Pipes" and he stated that there are only very few merchants open on Friday or Saturday night. Mr. Blair fully supports the idea of the retail project and knows that it will bring business and continuous action. The other issue is that currently, there are a lot of vacant lots downtown. Dave Redfern, is a business owner who started in this town in 1957, his main concern is that the city is deserted at night. • Consequently, he believes that the project is important and will make a difference. While it will create traffic, the reality is that families will spend time and money in Redwood City during the evening and weekends. This type of traffic congestion is welcome. Judy Buchan, called but not present. Lisa Btanton, called but not present. Catherine Fraser, called but not present. John Lisher, was a 10-year president of the Downtown Plan of Santa Cruz, and prior to the earthquake the downtown was 8 a.m.-5 p.m. However, part of their plan and vision after the earthquake was to increase the retail hours and to build a cinema. The result has been a 14 to 18 hours downtown, and a 9-screen theater that has brought energy and economic vitality. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 4, 2000 MINUTES PAGE 13 . _ _ _ _._.._.. . . _..__ .. ..