AgdaPkt 2002-10-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Steve Penni stated that his reason for speaking is that finally in that area, the building is going to be used for something that will bdng more people to downtown Redwood City. He stated, that in his opinion Innovations has been treated unfairly because the codes and the description of retail is not clear enough and that the item would not be appealed if it were not for a complaint by another business. He further stated that there are many businesses on the 2600 block that cannot be considered retail, but they will be hidng people and creating foot traffic. John Tobias stated that his customers are hairdressers and his business can draw between 2,500-3,000 hairdressers in the basic market. Steve Cutter stated that Innovations qualified under every section of the code and that the interpretation is becoming very frustrating. John Anagnostou shared a solution that might help in the case and has been used by the Downtown Association in the past. That method would be utilization of a use permit. He further stated that notification to property owners of the CBR distdct would be helpful. Hans Slide, represented Mr. Hess on the lease, and he stated that when looking at the code he asked if retail is allowed and was told that it is. He stated that Council should consider what the zoning code says and be a little lenient in getting the stores filled downtown. Jerry Lami, stated he is a partner of Mulligan's Grill, and initially thought the zoning code addressed the goals of Redwood City. He further stated that as each individual case arises, we need to look at what the zoning calls for and review on a case by case basis. Joseph Hess stated that he and his wife have owned the property for over 30 years. He stated that somewhere the interpretation that the tenant is in the wholesale rather than the retail business has been made based on a complaint. He quoted the definition of retail from Black's Law dictionary. He further stated that it is unfair to the business owners that other interpretations are made and hopes that the Council votes in favor of the tenant. Janet Borgens stated that Innovations is extraordinary and asked a question of the company. She stated that the company will give variety and is respected in the industry. She stated that because she buys the product, she is the consumer, although she may not be the type of consumer in mind when the code was written. M/S Hartnett/Ruskin to close the public hearing. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote. Council comments and questions ensued. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 MINUTES PAGE 7