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He reviewed corrections they had distributed this evening on an errata sheet and requested that Council approve the staff recommendation with the corrections. Mayor Ira opened the Public Hearing. Public Comment: Ben Paul, on behalf of Cassidy Turley /BT Commercial Real Estate, and the Redwood City San Mateo County Chambers of Commerce, thanked staff and the Planning Commission for their work. He spoke in favor of the Precise Plan, including the changes, and the need for increased retail space and day -time foot traffic by workers. Natalie Mattel, retail manager with Safeway, spoke in support of the Plan and thanked staff for working with them on the long -term vision for Sequoia Station. Gregory Ryken, attorney for Mr. and Mrs. Carcione, referred to section 2.1.3 in historic resources section and said it satisfies most of his client's objections. He made suggestions on historic resource preservation, citizen participation, and he also asked Council to address his concern for more parks and the environmental impact. Clem Maloney spoke in support of EIR and the Downtown Precise Plan. He was impressed by the detailed analysis and opined that passage will lead to growth and health for the City. Joel Butler supports the recommendation because it will have a positive effect, bring a unified vision, and a deliberate plan of what the core of the City should be. He opined this plan will increase development density, efficient uses, maintain historic fabric and uses, draw visitors, enhance transportation, housing, and businesses for prosperity and growth. Deke Hunter, a developer with previous projects within Redwood City, commented on some of the alternatives and expressed concern about vacancies, loitering, office space, and making downtown Redwood City more attractive for young companies to relocate here. He commended City staff, the Commissions and Council for their work and encouraged looking at all the issues and asked for support of the Plan. Eric and Lori Lochtefeld, owners of the Fox Theater and other businesses in Redwood City, spoke about the need to help promote more retail, offices, transit, residents, and people during the day and night as the key to downtown development. They are in support of the Plan and actions that will bring in more people to downtown for dining, entertainment, and jobs while also preserving the historic character. They would like the City to be an entertainment mecca. Morton Frank commented on the Plan having a much broader impact than defined by a map and the benefits to outlying areas and downtown. He spoke in favor of an amendment to include a mechanism to make it be self- sustaining, given the economic environment. Diana Reddy, a resident and community builder with the Housing Leadership Council, spoke in favor of adoption of the Plan with the inclusion of alternatives four and five. As an affordable housing advocate, she said the downtown area is perfect for affordable JOINT CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD January 24, 2011 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 9 MINUTE BOOK NO. 63 Page No. 264