AgdaPkt 2005-09-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

9B .3 Mayor Jeff Ira �ity Hall Vice Mayor Barbara Pierce Redwood 1017 Middlefield Road Redwood City, Califomia 94063 C ' �� Voice (650) 78q-7220 Council Members California FAX 650 261-9102 Alicia Aguirre FOUIIdCd 1861 � � lan Bain mail�redwoodcity.org Rosanne Foust www.redwoodcity.org Jim Hartnett Diane Howard September 26, 2005 The Honorable Norman J. Gatzert Judge of the Superior Court Hall of Justice 400 County Center, 2� Fioor Redwood City, CA 94063-1655 Subject: Response to San Mateo County Grand Jury June 27, 2005 Final Report, "Treatment of Property Owners in Redwood City Redevelopment Project" Dear Judge Gatzert: Redwood City has received the June 27, 2005 Final Report of the San Mateo County Grand Jury (`Report'), including its review of the "Treatment of Property Owners in Redwood City Redevelopment Project." Below is the City's response to the Grand Jury's findings and recommendations. Citv's Response to Grand Jurv Findinas: The City has engaged in a great deal of thought and consideration as a result of the acquisition proceedings, and their aftermath. We recognize that there were instances when the manner in which we proceeded, although well-intentioned, with only the community's benefit in mind, and scrupulously adhering to the law, was less-than sensitive as perceived by some of the individuals involved. In hindsight, we might have proceeded with more care and tact, and could have done a better job of recognizing and understanding the uniqueness of each property, its history, its owners, and the intangible emotional and personal connections which some properties embody. As stated in my letter of last year to the property owners (attached), we recognize that the City did not show the appropriate regard for their connection with our City's history, nor their contributions to our community. In some cases, we did not communicate in the most respectful manner we might have, and could have exhibited greater sensitivity and compassion. Well-before the Grand Jury report was issued I had already directed that an ad-hoc Redevelopment Subcommittee of the Council be formed, comprised of Vice-Mayor Barbara Pierce, and Council members Jim Hartnett and Rosanne Foust, to examine our development processes and make recommendations as to guidelines for a more sensitive approach to future redevelopment actions. The Subcommittee will be bringing its recommendations to the Council within three months.