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From: Jon Carlson, BIAC <br />To: "PublicComment"; GRP -City Council <br />Cc: Council -Diane Howard; Council -Shelly Masur; Council -Alicia Aguirre; Council -Ian Bain; Council -Janet Borgens; <br />Council-Giselle Hale; Council -Diana Reddy; MGR -Melissa Stevenson Diaz <br />Subject: BIAC comments re: Redwood City/County of San Mateo land swap - Nov 9, 2020 Agenda Item 7A <br />Date: Friday, November 6, 2020 5:01:10 PM <br />BIAC comments re: Redwood City/County of San Mateo land swap <br />November 9, 2020 Meeting Agenda item 7A - Study Session on Potential Bayfront Park <br />and Navigation Center <br />Diane Howard, Mayor <br />Shelly Masur, Vice Mayor, Councilmembers Alicia Aguirre, Ian Bain, Janet Borgens, Giselle <br />Hale, Diana Reddy <br />Dear Redwood City Council, <br />In the interest of keeping these comments on point, I have moved introductory background <br />information below. <br />At the July 13 meeting, BIAC asked for consideration that the border between the <br />city/county division of the 1402 Maple Street property be moved further south, in the <br />interest of better optimizing use of space for an aquatic community center and maximize <br />the opportunity for general public recreational access to the waterfront area, and we <br />appreciate that this issue was given consideration. <br />I have reviewed the Staff Report associated with this agenda item, and offer the following <br />comments: <br />• BIAC strongly supports the "Option 2" configuration as contemplated in the staff <br />report on p. 5. We believe this would offer the best opportunity to construct an aquatic <br />community center facility as well as maximize general public access to the waterfront <br />area. <br />• BIAC believes that "waterfront is precious" and the use of the parcel should be <br />considered with that as one of the guiding principles. Once gone, it will not come <br />back. <br />• Following resolution of the land disposition, BIAC remains eager to begin concrete <br />discussions of developing a facility for the long term. <br />BIAC greatly appreciates the support we receive from the city and county, the specific <br />consideration we have been given regarding this matter, and strives to continue to be a <br />benefit to bay access and recreation in RWC. Thank you very much for your consideration. <br />Sincerely, <br />Jon Carlson <br />President, Bair Island Aquatic Center <br />Bair Island Aquatic Center ("BIAC") is a non-profit aquatic center dedicated to rowing and <br />paddling recreation in the Redwood Creek area. BIAC's user population is around 700 <br />