CC Min 2012-05-21 - Special - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

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 spoke positively about being welcomed by the community and other merchants, the improvements and rejuvenations in downtown and expressed concerns regarding her financial investment here. Sylvia Maher of Mahrz Salon questioned the zoning and asked if there was not enough office space for lease off the core areas. She spoke in favor of the plan with people enjoying downtown to go to her salon, eat, and shop, and asked is there not office space for lease off core areas. She opined that there are other areas in Bay Area that have retail at the ground level mostly and it works with more people lingering and perusing shops downtown. Stephanie Kolkka, a resident and partner of Kolkka Furniture and Brick Monkey, said they consciously picked this City for its vision and plans. She opined it is possible to create successful retail downtown, their sales figures prove it - they are not an anomaly, and they are a healthy and sustainable draw from nearby communities. She noted that SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL May 21, 2012 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 12 MINUTE BOOK NO. 64 Page No. 131