RDA Min 2001-01-08 Jnt - Laserfiche WebLink

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11 " 42. How many people are on the Task Force and what is the primary objective? - Ms. Nelson responded that they are tasked by a subcommittee of three members of the Council to prepare both a graphic and written plan for the downtown. The strength of the consultant team that was hired to assist the Task Force (15 members) is that there will also be an implementation plan. 43. Have we ever had a concerted effort to recruit retailers? Yes, to some degree. That is part ofthe economic strategy and we also have heard from a number of developers, retailers and commercial brokers, that there needs to be a critical mass before the retail will complete the downtown. The economic consultant advising the Downtown Task Force has encouraged that there needs to be more housing and additional more high-end office. Recess: 9:05-9:25 p.rn. B. Input from Planning Commission and Architectural Review Committee Members, regarding issues the City Council should consider; Architectural Review Committee Comments: - Member Gilman stated several members share similar concerns in the need for more information in order to make an educated judgement on the project. Some of the specific items desired would be street diagrams, circulation diagrams delineating any changes in street patterns, and vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns in and around the cinema. A three-dimensional model of the project as well as the surrounding context in order to understand the physical massing of the building and its relationship to some of the massing of the adjacent buildings on surrounding streets is important. Eye-level views of the project from a variety oflocations will assist in understanding the relationship to the scale of the street. Sections that clearly show the relationship of the massing to the street and sidewalk widths are necessary. The detail of how the plazas will be created and designed to encourage pedestrian use is needed to demonstrate that this will be a quality development that in fact fits into the downtown. Details and drawings relative to the office building and parking garage need to be equally shown. One final concern is the potential for a canyon being created between Sequoia Station and the new development as well as the view from the train. Member Spotorno stated that a signage program appropriate to the downtown would be a consideration. He stated some of the urban design issues extend beyond the project such as traffic mitigation improvements at intersections and three-dimensional manifestations of - JOINT ADJOURNED REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 2001 MINUTES PAGE 17 MINUTES Book No.58 Page NO. 313