RDA Min 1992-03-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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---,--- ---,- -, -- - --,-~----- -'- Housing Director Church presented the staff report, describing the proposal for 20-24 affordable rental units using 80% of median as the qual ifier. Director Church provided a review of the Redevelopment Agency Second Amendment, the Housing Element of the General Plan and the August 1991 Bond Issue with $2,957,000 specifically dedicated to creation of additional low and moderate-income housing. Director Church read a letter from the property owner at 928 Whipple, Mr. Alfred Kimmel, who urged the Directors to approve the proposal. Chairwoman La Berge declared the informal Public Hearing open at 7:42 p.m., and invited anyone who wished to speak to please do so. The following people addressed the Board: Mike Adams, 390 Bradford, Redwood City, attorney for property owners Kantilal and Vidyagauri Khatri, advised the Council that the Khatri's believe their property should remain in their hands, and that they wanted to reach a common ground with the City. Mr. Adams advised the Khatris suggested they be allowed to work with the City to operate the facility in a manner compatible with low and moderate-income needs, as apartments or a rooming facility consistent with current zoning. The Khatris have been approached by two private parties interested in buying or leasing the property, one representing homeless mothers and children who need temporary housing. The Khatris believe it is in the public interest to keep this property in private hands, and acquisition and development would be beyond the City's financial capabilities. Dean Whitecloud, 1290 Warren Street, representing tenants of Warren Apartments thanked the Council for closing the Whipple Lodge and removing the problems caused by drugs and prostitution at the site. Mr. Whitecloud acknowledged and welcomed the proposal for a low to moderate- income housing development on the site. In response to Council questions Mr. Whitecloud advised that after attending the court proceedings to close the Whipple Lodge and testifying on behalf of the City, he did not believe the Khatris would operate the facility in a manner consistent with the wishes of the City and the neighbors. Brian Hollway, 240 Howland, advised he was generally in favor of the proposal but had concerns regarding density, on site parking, preservation of trees, safeguards against deterioration, and asked if this project would be subject to zoning requirements and review by the Planning Commission. In response to Mr. Hollway's concerns, staff and Council described the process for approval and compliance with zoning ordinances required of all projects, with special emphasis on this property and project as an "entry feature" and a model showcase development for low and moderate-income housing in Redwood City. Housing Director Church described the process of choosing a non-profit Developer with a successful track record for affordable housing, how real estate tax is based on assessed valuation, and that future requests for Redevelopment Agency Agenda MINUTE BOOK NO.1 March 9, 1992 Page No. 44 Page 2