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stands and an EIR initiated. Dan Ponti, spokesperson for the Finger Avenue Pride Committee, made a presentation (on file) which included the primary issues of the opposing neighbors: aesthetics, cultural resources, geology and soils, and traffic safety. Dan Ponti also addressed the Council and explained the project changes and a chronology of events and plans. Mr. Ponti explained that two parking spots were removed and this is the extent of the changes. He drew a parallel befinreen this project and the KentField Project and he highlighted that "no changes" to physical roadways, to address massing and scale, no changes to preserve more trees were effectuated (presentation on file). He explained that the only change was on the storm water and he added that there were some findings that were very difficult to make. He referred to a letter to Mr. Lanzone and shared excerpts of minutes and a particular letter. He explained why he does not think this is a classic infill project. Kirk McGowan, the developer, made a brief presentation of the benefits of the project to the community and how it fits into the neighborhood. Alan O'Driscoll said he is a geologist and part of the Project Applicant Team. He showed a picture of the creek (on file) as he read a statement on why additional study is not warranted. J.R. Rodine, project consultant on the Project Applicant Team made a presentation (on file) to Council on the creek, storm water treatment, creek conditions, and creek improvement. Council asked questions of Mr. Ponti regarding sidewalks. Mr. Ponti explained that for him the scale and the massing of the project are a problem. Council asked questions of Mr. Jany and Ms. Ekas and both provided information on the historic district issue and the zoning for the area. Council took a break at 9:35 p.m. The meeting resumed at 9:55 p.m. Mayor Foust opened the public hearing. She also explained that there was some planning prior to the meeting tonight and the time limits agreed upon. Based on the fact that each side was well organized and so the speakers were going to be from the ones outside of the teams (18 unique speaker cards) or to take the additional speakers. Council's pleasure was to take the unique cards and list to the comments. Public Comment Mark Casaretto said he lives on Finger Avenue and his concerns include maintaining the character of the neighborhood, creek setbacks, flood damage, and he suggested that the city may be liable for any eventual damages. He urges the Council to uphold the decision of Planning Commission and deny the project. Nita Spangler has lived in Redwood City since 1947 and asked Council to uphold the decision of the Planning Commission. She believes Wellesley Park is a good candidate for a historic district and be considered for landmark designation. She mentioned some of her accomplishments as these relate to historic designations. Gabriel De Armelo said he lives across from Finger Avenue and he supports this project because he believes it is good for the neighborhood and he has seen other projects done by the developer that he also likes. JOINT CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD AUGUST 3, 2009 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 5 MINUTE BOOK NO. 62 Page No. 435