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Thomas McDermott, started by thanking Syufy for his presentation and all the information <br /> provided. His concern for the "new downtovm" include the following items: will special processes <br /> be instituted to improve the class of the theater, are art and foreign films to be part of the offerings, <br /> what are the possible anchor retail stores in mind, why were we not provided with multiple choices <br /> .in the prior stages of this process? Darcy, donated her three minutes so that Dermott could explain <br /> his last two points: what will happen to the old century lot when it closes down, and is the final goal <br /> revitalization and growth for the city and its dovmtown. <br /> Rudolph Luca, resident of Redwood City for 47 yeazs, presented to the council a petition with 52 <br /> signatures of residents who oppose the project. Luca's major concern is the traffic, and in reality the <br /> residents are very concerned about what will happen. Luca is awaze of many reasons why in the <br /> past many other retailers were chased out of Redwood City, and because nothing was done to <br /> support these merchants we aze now in this predicament. He requests that this be taken to the vote <br /> of the Redwood City residents <br /> Don Warren, stated that he was representing the Board of Directors and membership of the San <br /> Mateo County Chamber of Commerce, with a membership of 1,100, and after much consideration <br /> and deliberation that body voted unanimously (two members excused themselves due to project <br /> involvement) to give the strongest possible support to the project. One of the reasons for the <br /> support was the level of experts involved, their experience and knowledge will take us into a new <br /> phase of Redwood City. <br /> Gary Desantis, spoke about the fact that people don't want to leave things the way they are, <br /> however people also want to have more concrete answers. The fact that there are doubts about the <br /> success of a combination of retail and cinema, he questions the wisdom of devoting 50% to the <br /> theaters. Desantis also thinks we should not disregard the traffic problems that this project will <br /> bring with it. Requested to find out who the anchor tenants aze, stated that it is not a given that they <br /> will come. <br /> M/S Vice-Mayor Claire/Hartnett - motion to extend the meeting to 11:15 p.m. The motion passed <br /> by a unanimous voice vote. <br /> Council Member Jordan stated that she would like to have another hearing. <br /> Soon Keum Lee, said that for eight yeazs Lee has lived in an apartment in Redwood City, and has <br /> been looking for a house for 2 years. However, the housing is too expensive. Lee is hoping the City <br /> will address the needs of the people of this city, which aze housing. Because the housing is so <br /> expensive many people aze forced to leave this city, even though it has the best climate. <br /> John Anagnostou, commended the previous council for acquiring the property that now is City <br /> Hall, and having the vision and wisdom to relocate services. Anagnostou appreciates the <br /> opportunity for this public forum to occur where residents can share their opinions and concerns. <br /> He reiterated the fact that currently, downtown is extremely quiet at night and we need some <br /> revitalization. ' <br /> REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 4, 2000 <br /> MINUTES <br /> PAGE 14 <br />