RDA Min 1996-07-29 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . I I Chairman Hartnett said the study focused on attracting new business which he felt was the least important strategy. He said retaining and expanding current businesses was more important, and if the City had good practices, businesses will want to locate in Redwood City. Mayor Hartnett said he did not favor a policy on waiving fees or - rebates, as it was not good public policy. Vice Chair Howard expressed support for the very successful StorefTont Improvement Program and asked staff to expand the target area to include more of the downtown area and EI Camino Real. In response to Vice Chair Howard's questions, Director Church described the role of the Ombudsman as a staff position (a permits counter person), the person who will work with the applicant throughout the entire process; and who will visit businesses to see what the City can do for them (a pulse taker). In response to Vice Chair Howard's questions regarding the health care industry, Consultant Herman described the importance of developing industry profiles and how the Chamber would be very helpful in that arena. Director La Berge spoke in favor of an economic development staff person as a positive signal to the business community; in support of an expanded StorefTont Improvement Program; did not support the 101 corridor study at this point; and agreed that every City department should be involved in economic development. Director Buchan described an Economic Development Conference she and Director - Church attended that stressed the importance of a staff support person. She also expressed her support for an expanded StorefTont Improvement Project with the flexibility for code enforcement; continuation of the 101 Corridor Plan; support for the auto mall/cluster concept; and requested more information on the Retail Anchor Program. Director Ruskin described his former membership on the Subcommittee and his current Council liaison status. Councilman Ruskin said business retention and expansion were the keys to economic development in Redwood City, and the proposed Strategy provided opportunities to address those issues as well as attract new businesses. Councilman Ruskin said he supported an expanded StorefTont Improvement Program; the 101 Corridor Plan; and a lead staff person to implement the plan. Chairman Hartnett expressed his support for the three programs already in place and expanding the StorefTont Improvement Program. Director Leipzig spoke in favor of the StorefTont Improvement Program with an expanded target area including El Camino Real and Woodside Road. He said he did not want to continue the 101 Corridor Plan, and said he needed more information on - what a lead staff person would do for economic development. Councilman Leipzig said cleaning up undesirable areas of the City, getting rid of "flop houses" and SPECIAL REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JULY 29, 1996 MINUTES MINUTE BOOK NO.1 PAGE 4 Page No. 315