CC Min 2001-01-29 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Council, Planning Commission and Architectural Review Committee were all present for the three community meetings. Various issues were expressed and discussed in regards to traffic, parking, pedestrians, noise, alternatives, and esthetics and massing. Some expressed opposition while others expressed support in areas of concern. Planning and Redevelopment Manager Church explained a history of the project, the actual project itself, summarized the actions before the Council, the elements of the contract and agreement between the developer and the City including the proposed schedule. He stated the summary report is required due to the proposed conveyance of land, which is related to funds. It is designed as a disclosure document to provide a third party analysis of the benefits and costs in the agreement and if given a choice the summary report would be preferred over reading the DDA to obtain a general sense of the proposal. The conclusion from the report is that the Agency and the City are receiving more than the value of the land conveyed. Mayor Ruskin opened the public hearing. Elizabeth Travers stated recently United Artists lost a lawsuit because of limited seating availability for wheelchair bound persons and this developer has shown in slides that all theatres in the complex will have stadium seating. She further stated that Mr. Syufy stated except for a few identifiable successes, there would be no foreign films shown. She stated theatres make their profit with their food sales. A recent proposal for 10-20 story condominiums at Pete's Harbor has been eagerly discussed by some. If this is a positive concept, why can the theatre developer not use the air space and go up, developing housing downtown. She stated the proposed project could be reduced by 75%, to 1,000 seats, which is still one half of the present seats at the Century 12. She also cited traffic issues at the site. Memo Morantes, advice Chairperson of the Community Development Committee of the Redwood City/San Mateo Chamber of Commerce, representing 1,200 members, stated that the Chamber has studied the proposal, is in favor of the project and encouraged Council to move forward. Julia Feldstein stated she has the experience of the Glendale project and for her shopping and movies do go together. She further stated her concern relates to the decline of options in the downtown area where she cannot shop at a small retail store and participate in some activities important to her and her family. She stated she sees the project as a way on ensuring these options locally in the future. Gary Saunders spoke in favor of the project as well conceived. He stated the project would provide jobs for the members of Plumbers and Steamfitters Union #467. He stated the Union supports the project as presented and has received a commitment from Innisfree Ventures to hire from his union. REGULAR COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT MEETINGS JANUARY 29, 2001 MINUTES PAGE 5 MINUTES Book No.58 Page NO. 334