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6.1.A. - Page 31 remodels and businesses coming downtown. What led to the current option were the blatant ground floor vacancies and nobody likes to see them. He shared a map of current vacancies in the downtown detail corridor (presentation on file). Mr. Zack said this is not a new problem but the vacancy rate has been high since 2008 and some vacancies are very "stubborn" and over 100 months. He added this is a nationwide epidemic. He reiterated that the long term vision and strategy will not change. He noted that the downtown retail area is a bit large and he provided historical details. Mr. Zack provided details on the proposed change and its requirements as well as the anticipated benefits. He also provided details on the appeals process and how staff tried to clarify certain terminology. Ms. Barnes, Economic Development Manager, walked through some of the things the City has been engaged in to revitalize the downtown area (presentation on file). She gave interesting statistics about office workers spending trends. Mayor Aguirre opened the Public Hearing. Ralph Garcia, said he was on the Planning Commission when zoning was put in place against allowing businesses on the first floor downtown. He expressed concerns about another downtown bust, opined that most of the available spaces downtown are too small for office space, and questioned changing the zoning. He challenged the numbers in the report. Shirley Bunger, a resident representing Mount Carmel homeowners, expressed pride and excitement about the sense of energy downtown with the theater, the Courthouse Square, farmer's market, and retail. She also expressed concern about downtown being quiet and dark on evenings and weekends and how this is an opportunity to solve the problem. Pamela Estes, a ten-year resident and homeowner, spoke in favor of keeping the plan as is and the need for a core retail only area. She believes business is coming back and she is not in agreement with this proposed change. Lisa Carlos Quecher, a resident of the Mount Carmel area, had many questions about the ratio, how things are being counted, correct, the time frame, what other communities have used, implementation, counting, tracking, enforcement and how confusing regulations can be a deterrent to retailers. Tim Mooney, a self-described regular visitor to Redwood City visitor and a resident of San Carlos, expressed his concerns and pleasure on the revitalization of Redwood City and his and others' enjoyment of the exploring the area and enjoying various shops. He spoke in favor of staying the course. Dayna Marr, of Pickled Clothing, Active Aggie and Peacebank Yoga Studio, expressed concerns about the proposed plan, opined retail is on the upswing, and she offered to form a committee to find ways to bring more retail to downtown. Cynthia Webb, owner of Cynthia L's, said she feels she is representing a new wave of retailers to downtown and she opened at end of March next to Brick Monkey. She SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL May 21, 2012 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 11