RDA Min 1996-07-29 - Laserfiche WebLink

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"bums" would promote economic development more than anything found in the Study. He said the Study and its recommendations had nothing to do with attracting the Mezes Plaza Project and U.C. Extension. Councilman Leipzig said he was dead set against the City and/or Redevelopment Agency financially supporting an auto mall or cluster, and suggested that Council talk to the auto dealers before making a decision on this issue. Councilman Leipzig said it was important to look at the consequences of redevelopment action in the City. Sequoia Station had hurt downtown business, and Convention Way businesses were being hurt by the proximity of the County facility for juvenile delinquents. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chairman Hartnett declared a recess at 9:32 p.m. Meeting resumed at 9:52 p.m. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agency Board Directors discussed the concept of an auto mall or cluster in Redwood City; the City's commitment to auto dealers in the City; the difficulties of implementing a plan for a mall or cluster; the similar situation of lack of space and cost of land that is present in the whole region; and auto sales competition in the area;. In response to Director's questions, Bill Carlson, auto industry consultant, advised that regional auto malls draw customers fTom a radius of 30 miles; auto rows are not as successful as malls or clusters; described the pressure being put on dealers by the manufacturers to maximize sales through relocation, consolidation and auto malls; cost of the land along Highway 101; and Redwood City auto dealers desire to be visible fTom 101. Agency Board Directors discussed meeting with auto dealers, land owners and impacted businesses and deferring any decision until a September Redevelopment Agency Board meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Hartnett asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak to this issue. Cliff Keely, 766 Canyon Road, asked that the September meeting be noticed and open to the public. He said many Redwood City people would like to have input into this issue. CONSENSUS: Mayor Hartnett determined it to be the consensus of the Redevelopment Agency Board Directors to meet with the auto dealers, land owners and impacted businesses to further discuss the concept of an auto mall/cluster, and defer action on this item to a Board meeting in September. MINUTE ORDER NO. 13-96RD SPECIAL REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO.1 JULY29,1996 MINUTES Page No. 316 PAGE 5