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8.B. - Page 209 <br /> Vice Chair Schmidt asked if this is being undertaken too quickly. He asked what <br /> Redwood City has done since the Downtown Plan was implemented to recruit <br /> businesses to the Downtown area. <br /> Mr. Zack stated that staff was hired within the City Manager's office specifically for that <br /> purpose. He stated that the Planning has made effort to help businesses through the <br /> application process quickly. <br /> Mr. Lyon stated that Susan Barnes, the Economic Development staff hired by the City <br /> Manager, has been attending various conferences to recruit businesses and to <br /> understand market trends. <br /> Vice Chair Schmidt asked if retail attraction targets have been identified. He asked how <br /> Redwood City has been promoted since implementing the Downtown Precise Plan. He <br /> stated that he is bothered by all the "For Lease" signs Downtown, but current business <br /> owners seem to be hoping for more retail. He stated that opening up the space for office <br /> space creates a concern for how many of those people will stay in their offices rather <br /> than go eat Downtown. <br /> Mr. Zack stated that the ten percent mechanization is meant to shut it off so that all of <br /> the vacant space wouldn't be taken up by an office. He noted that when the original <br /> Plan was put together, there was a pre-recession economic study that found the trade <br /> area supported by Downtown didn't have enough households with enough disposable <br /> income to support the amount of retail space that exists within Downtown. <br /> Vice Chair Schmidt asked about the five-year mark and what is risked when that year is <br /> up and someone doing well has to leave. <br /> Ms. Ramirez stated that is one complication of using a timed Use Permit. She stated it <br /> is legal, but the City would have to implement that time limit. She noted that if someone <br /> were to stay beyond their time limit, code enforcers would have to remove them. <br /> Vice Chair Schmidt noted the media attention that would receive. <br /> Ms. Ramirez stated that is something to consider. <br /> Mr. Zack stated it has been an issue in the past. <br /> Commissioner White seconded some of Commissioner Radcliffe's and Vice Chair <br /> Schmidt's concerns. He stated it has only been a year and the economic climate hasn't <br /> changed much. He stated he would not want to kick out an established business after <br /> five years. He stated he would not feel comfortable with bail bonds and liquor stores in <br /> the Entertainment District. He stated massage parlors, tanning salons, and that sort of <br /> business would be acceptable. He noted his support of bars, but not what is considered <br /> a dive bar. He noted the speaker concerned about the noise in the Entertainment <br /> District and having more live-work in the area might generate more similar concerns. <br /> Mr. Zack stated that it's possible to move businesses in and out of categories. He noted <br /> that there was a public comment received from someone living on Main Street <br /> concerned about possible noise from bars. He stated that residential uses are already <br /> Page 5 of 16 <br />