AgdaPkt 2012-12-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8.A. - Page 2 Construction impacts of the three projects underway today highlight the need for staff and developers to plan better and in concert. Over the past year of construction at the Kaiser Hospital it became apparent that the influx of 300 or more construction workers into a relatively small downtown could have profound impacts on the parking supply. As the workforce grew in size over the course of the project, nearby on-street and on-site parking soon vanished and the construction workers began to use other public spaces such as the garages and street parking that was still within reasonable walking distance. Because the City's parking rates are low, especially on the perimeter and in the garages, these spaces were soon occupied by the workers. This segment of the public's use occurs early in the day and has caused difficulties for the restaurant and retail customers to find parking. Staff has been working with representatives from both Kaiser and Rudolph and Sletten, the general contractor, to find parking options not involving public spaces for the constructions. Progress has been made, though it is difficult as even much of the private parking is occupied given the rebound in the economy. Presently, staff is working with the contractor to determine if it is feasible and practical to use the City's Bradford Street properties for additional construction relief, as well as weekend and evening support. Construction pressure along the Bradford Street corridor is also likely to increase later in 2013, if the anticipated development of the San Mateo Credit Union property moves forward as planned. The proposal just delivered to Planning includes three housing towers, a parking structure, and office space for the Credit Union and the Confectioners Union. Staff is advised that the properties bounded by Main Street, Bradford Street, Walnut Street, and Marshall Street just sold. It is likely that a development on that property will begin the entitlement process in 2013. The implication of these two projects moving within the timeframes indicated is that parking pressures in and around the Kaiser site will continue until perhaps 2015 or 2016. Negotiations with Hunter Storm Properties for the Block 2 development are ongoing. Agreement has been reached between staff and the developer regarding the final property to be included in the development and generally how the buildings will address the surrounding streets. Discussion surrounding design of the proposed two towers remains ongoing, with the goal remaining to begin construction of the project in the May-June 2013 timeframe. The City has also been approached by Lowe Enterprises regarding development of the city-owned property at Winslow Street and Hamilton Street. Discussions are just beginning, but if this project were to proceed in the 2013-2014 time periods, additional parking would be removed from the public supply. In order to develop the Block 2 property, the City must undertake a count of the parking spaces in the downtown, as part of the Parking Facilities Agreement connected to the development of the Theatre block. The construction on that property will remove approximately 200 spaces from the downtown inventory for about 30 months. Once the project is completed, the existing parking spaces will be available again for public use,