CC Min 2001-06-25 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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not think it fair for the City to have Eminent Domain power. When Eminent Domain proceedings begin, the City gains from the situation however citizens are defenseless when it comes to fair market value and retaining their property. Requested that Council vote no on this plan. Paul Goldman is a commercial property owner with a business for over 10 years. During this period he has seen a lot of improvements and positive changes. Mr. Goldman stated that the main issue with the Redevelopment Agency is taxes; furthermore the Agency already had 12 years to address their projects. In his opinion Eminent Domain is not a fair way of treating residents. The developer and the City are the ones that make money, but maybe the City should be thinking about issuing Bonds so that citizens can benefit from economic growth. Concurs with the Mayor in regards to the flyer but if the flyer got people to talk about this, then it was a good thing. Richard Itaars is familiar with Eminent Domain and does not believe it is a fair process. Stated that the property owner is at a disadvantage and this should be a concern. Also believes that a 6-year renewal is too long. Marlo Martins consulted an Eminent Domain Attorney and believes that it is amazing that the City has a real challenge when it comes to Public Relations. As far as Eminent Domain is concerned, it is important that people understand that people should fight back. People can not relax when it comes to Eminent Domain; residents should research and get information to defend their cases. Mr. Martins strongly advises people to get together and fight back and find tools to stand their ground. Charlene Iloward asked questions about properties being exempt that are located in R3 and R4 areas; the concern was if Council could delete these exemptions. Additionally, Ms. Howard stated that relocation is not a feasible solution because the real estate market is so difficult. Agency Director Church addressed some of the questions posed by residents. In regards to the R3 and R4 question indeed these areas are exempt and the Council can not simply deliberate to change it unless an amendment to the Redevelopment Agency Project No.2 takes place. In order to go through an amendment (to eliminate the above mentioned exemptions) the law now requires that a "Project Area Committee" be formed, since there would be a significant number of properties affected. This would take an enormous amount of work and various public hearings, since it would affect so many residents. Additionally, the residents from the area would be part of the '"'Project Area Committee". Responding to the question about who got notifications for the public hearing, Mr. Church stated that notices were sent to all property owners and tennants (commercial and residential) in the area of the Redevelopment Agency Zone and organizations in the area. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING ..... JUNE 25, 2001 M1NUTES PAGE 7 M1NUTES Book NO. 58 Page No. 443