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Vice Mayor Hartnett stated that the motion is made with good intent. This is a <br />difficult decision because of the better use the property would be put to than it <br />currently is. The property as it currently exists is a terrible eyesore, and he <br />wished it was not before the Council in the condition that it is. Vice Mayor <br />Hartnett said if the Council granted the appeal, he hoped the property did not <br />remain in its current condition. More parking is required than is proposed, and <br />the area is unique,. Had this are not suffered a problem with parking for such a <br />long time, the decision would have been easy. The proposal would have made a <br />vast improvement in the property, but the parking is inadequate. Health Clubs <br />are appropriate uses for light industrial areas, but there was a need for adequate <br />parking. <br /> <br />Councilwoman Howard stated she was opposed to upholding the appeal based <br />on her studies and viewing the site several times. She stated she sympathized <br />with the parking problems of the other businesses, but she did feel the <br />warehouse was an appropriate use for a gym. Councilwoman Howard said she <br />did not believe the Council should decide this issue based on the number of <br />gyms in Redwood City. That's not what the Council should decide. Councils <br />have not done that in the past and should not do that now. Councilwoman <br />Howard advised that the Planning Department did receive more letters of <br />support for this proposal from the businesses in the surrounding area, some of <br />them immediate, than they did opposed. Councilwoman Howard stated that she <br />believed the parking problems had been resolved adequately and they would be <br />good neighbors and open to suggestions. To leave the warehouse vacant is not <br />in keeping with the goals of economic development, and the land use policy <br />clearly states the City is open to this type of business in the community. <br /> <br />Councilman Sanfilipo, Council candidate, stated he agreed with Vice Mayor , <br />Hartnett that it was a tough decision. Councilman Sanfilipo advised that he had <br />been on the Committee that wrote the Strategic Plan and Land Use Element, <br />cited above, and his recollection was that the wording recommending health <br />clubs in light industrial areas applied to new developments not existing <br />industrial areas. Councilman Sanfilipo said that he always felt the Council <br />should uphold the neighborhoods whether they be residential, commercial, <br />industrial or whatever. Councilman Sanfilipo added that he believed the <br />parking was insufficient for the proposed use. <br /> <br /> <br />