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seeks to fulfill its local and regional obligations to focus growth in its Downtown center, in close proximity to regional transit. Siting a new jail within this priority development area is inconsistent with these goals, as it is likely to discourage new development, and especially residential development, in the area. 5. The Motor Pool Site is located within a redevelopment area. The Redwood City Redevelopment Agency (RDA) was formed in 1982. The Redevelopment Project Area is divided into three sub areas: Downtown, Marina, and Seaport. The Motor Pool Site lies within the Downtown Redevelopment Project Area. The City notes that the Sheriff's site selection study cited location within a redevelopment project area as an important reason for dismissing replacement jail locations in other communities; however, the Sheriff's Office did not acknowledged this factor relative to the Motor Pool Site. Redevelopment, by law, involves projects and investment to eliminate blighted conditions. To help eliminate blight and provide new housing and commerce opportunities, the Redwood City RDA has invested in redevelopment projects such as Sequoia Station, the City Center Plaza, the Franklin Street Apartments, the On Broadway retail-cinema project, and the historic Courthouse restoration and new Courthouse Square, all of which have led to increased private developer interest and activity in the Downtown area. The tax increment funds generated as a result of private investment allows the City to step up its own reinvestment efforts and provide even more incentives, as well as fund housing for lower-income households. The elimination of blight often requires an investment not only in physical improvements, but in programs and activities that promote and market an area to attract customers and investors. The Redwood City RDA is working on an exciting annual program of special events to generate interest in the Redevelopment Project Area. Such events include the annual Fourth of July Parade, the "Live in Downtown" summer concert series, the Salsa Festival, and Hometown Holidays. The 2003 Sea Otter Classic was a world-class cycling event that brought national attention to Redwood City's Downtown, and the RDA is currently planning to bring that event back to the city. Together, redevelopment projects and events are revitalizing the Downtown and making it a vibrant urban center that is truly the heart of the community. Locating a County jail on the Motor Pool Site means that that site has no potential to generate tax increment that can contribute to the redevelopment and revitalization. In addition, the jail has potential blighting effects; existing residents near the Maguire Correctional Facility have complained about excessive trash and noise emanating from that facility. 6. Downtown Redwood City is already home to a large-scale jail, and the City as a whole has four County correctional facilities. The current Maguire Correctional Facility in Downtown creates adverse conditions. In 1856, Redwood City was selected to become the County Seat for San Mateo County in part because of its large business base.14 As the County Seat for San Mateo County, Redwood City understands that certain County facilities must be located within the City boundaries. However, Downtown Redwood City already has one major County jail facility: the Brendan P. Maguire Correctional Facility. The Maguire Correctional 14 Local History: Redwood City. Redwood City Public Library. 1999 <http://www.redwoodcity.org/about/local_history/ exhibits/redwood_city/rwc_history.html (accessed August 19, 2009). Site I nformation for Alternative Locations for the Proposed Replacement Jail September 2, 2009 25