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

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importance of workplace and transit, downtown revitalization, building a vision under the Precise Plan, a strong employment District, and how this is a key development site for transit adjacent to the development. He also provided a hand out (on file). Dan Ponti opined this is a unique opportunity to set a precedent for this City-owned property and how it may influence how the rest of the City develops. He said this is an opportunity to bring housing downtown and there should be a housing component included. Gail Raabe, resident and a member of Redwood City Neighbors United, said she heard both presentations (at the study session) and commented that they were both informative, provided a number of project elements for their consideration, and opined that the selected proposal should include housing. She opined that this site is ideal for transit-oriented housing and that the City should take advantage of this early opportunity to get more residents here to support Downtown shops and entertainment. The facilitator then asked Council to share "red flags" or fatal flaws about each of the proposals. One Council Member shared that the issue of how parking is handled is important on both of the proposals. The other item that was brought up was how to lure the tenants to be part of the community and use existing services like gyms and restaurants. Vice Mayor Gee said that he had some question marks regarding how the gateway corner is treated, the parking numbers need to be refined and the financial feasibility and the operations of the office space, and the timeline of the hotel. One Council Member really likes the owner operated concept. The funds presented on the proposals were discussed and vetted. Council also discussed multi-generational housing and the redevelopment funds were discussed and what are the uses we could apply those funds to. City Manager Bell noted that staff will come back with a policy on city property and that might be a great opportunity for Council to ponder this site. At that time Council can make a recommendation on City property. Then the facilitator suggested going through each criteria. Council Member Foust said that she is ready to make a decision but she does not think that going through a numeric exercise is optimal. Mr. Kip Harkness said that he was ready to hand it over to the City Manager and the Council for a decision. Council Member Ira wanted to be on record to say he does like numbers. One Council Member thanked the developers for the thoughtFulness, the packages they prepared and the community outreach. Another Council Member would like to enter into discussion for a Development Agreement with Hunter Storm. She wants high end and market rate housing. She noted that Lowe Enterprises had quality people on its team she thanked them. She said that it comes to down to knowing our community and understanding its needs based on prior contracts. However, she encourages Lowe to stay connected. The other committee member spoke to this matter and for him it is also Hunter Storm who he wants to pursue. Another Council Member noted how difficult it was to evaluate these finro proposals because they are such strong proposal. He is SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL May 21, 2012 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 MINUTE BOOK NO. 64 Page No. 126