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8.B. - Page 211 <br /> Vice Chair Schmidt asked if anything has been done concerning landlords with <br /> vacancies and making an amicable space for retail. <br /> Mr. Lyon stated Staff has been talking with property owners and brokers to come up with <br /> appropriate solutions to address those issues. He stated that from the planning <br /> perspective the best way to attract people is to give them a good experience. <br /> Vice Chair Schmidt thanked Staff for their response to the City's needs. <br /> Mr. Lyon noted that Chair Borgens received a speaker card. <br /> MOTION TO REOPEN PUBLIC HEARING: <br /> M/S: Radcliffe/Holt <br /> Motion Passed: All yes <br /> Boris Zatts, owner of building at 2301 Broadway, spoke about remodeling his historic <br /> property and his trouble finding a tenant for it. He stated he has gotten lots of requests <br /> for office space and none for retail. He stated the problem is that there aren't enough <br /> people Downtown to support retail. He stated a number of software companies want the <br /> space for offices and would bring people to support Downtown. <br /> Dave Feller, CEO of Yummly, spoke about his start-up tech company and their search <br /> for office space. He stated a number of companies are interested in locating their <br /> business in Downtown Redwood City but can't because of the lack of available office <br /> space. He noted that start-ups are very transient and within five years will either grow <br /> and need a larger space or fail and shut down, so the five year limit wouldn't typically be <br /> an issue. He stated that they would bring people into Downtown. <br /> Brett Webber spoke about the leasing he does for powntown. He stated that many <br /> people are touring for space and most of them are looking for offices. He stated the <br /> standards should be flexible for whatever a space needs. He stated that the five year <br /> limit might be an issue for the leasers. <br /> MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING <br /> M/S: Radcliffe/White <br /> Motion Passed: All yes. <br /> Commissioner Radcliffe stated more information needs to be gathered on the storefronts <br /> on Broadway. <br /> Commissioner Holt commended Mr. Zatts on the work on his building. <br /> Commissioner White stated that his current employer began as a high-tech startup in <br /> Redwood City, so he appreciated the comments on the nature of a startup. He stated <br /> they need more information like the public comments. <br /> Vice Chair Schmidt noted his appreciation for the public comments and agreed with <br /> Commissioner Holt's statement on Mr. Zatts's building. He stated that the item should <br /> be moved until the Commission obtains more information. <br /> Page 7 of 16 <br />