AgdaPkt 2005-09-12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A. Downtown Precise Plan - Third City Council, Planning Commission and Architectural Review Committee Joint Study Session Michael Freedman gave the background on the study session process and facilitated the discussion on issues and questions to date. The PowerPoint presentation used is on file. Council Members, Planning Commissioners and Architectural Review Committee Members made various comments and asked questions. Recess: 9:00 - 9: 15 p.m. Public Comment: Peggy Bruggmann stated that consideration is being paid to the neighborhoods on the other side of Brewster and Maple in terms of transitioning down. Her example was three stories on the Brewster and Maple sides. In option Band C, both plans are abruptly 3 stories to 8 stories and she stated that it is an abrupt change and not much protection for those neighborhoods. She suggested three stories on the Brewster side going to 5 stories allowing for a buffer to those neighborhoods. Her concern about option B with 160-165 feet for 12-story buildings is that it is quite tall overall. As a neighbor living fairly close to downtown she would have concerns; and from a community perspective, the frame of reference is the jail and that no buildings should be taller. Frank Bizzaro stated that he and his wife moved to Redwood City in 1983 and opened a business. He gave the history of his various businesses in the City to date stating that Main Street has always been the stepchild. He requested that micromanagement of what businesses go into the buildings not occur and that the fair market dictate that. He agreed that the objective of downstairs being retail makes sense, upstairs should depend on what someone willing to pay the rent wants. He stated that although there should be codes, they should not be so tight that potential businesses will not even pursue coming to Redwood City. Sharon DeBell stated that she grew up in Redwood City and while going to the University of Oregon was able to choose her own project as a senior in landscape architecture. She stated her choice of the downtown area and how to use Redwood Creek as a way to connect to the bay utilizing areas along the creek as catalyst sites for redevelopment. While excited about the plan, she asked that the focus be a bit bigger and in the larger context of how to connect to the bay, considering the historic value of the creek and giving tribute by opening up some open space. John Anagnostou stated he likes to think of himself as the person who is bringing the arts to downtown Redwood City. He stated his excitement about the plan and read a list of 28 changes that are already in pl,ace that include building changes, August 22, 2005 PAGE 7 JOINT MEETING MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY JOINT STUDY SESSION WITH PLANNING COMMISSION AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE