RDA Min 1998-06-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. I I '" is the possibility that, just as we have provided a lot of money and incentives to businesses in the downtown to make improvements.... We could do that same kind of investment along Blomquist." - Ken Hettman, 1846 Stockbridge Avenue, homeowner and commercial property owner in Redwood City, said he had problems getting notices of this Proposed Amendment and suggested using Certified Mail. He said he had a proof of delivery of the written comments he sent to the City. In response to Mr. Hettman's questions, Mayor/Chairperson Howard said that the City paid Mr. Church, and the City hired Mr. Milakovich and the Mayor/Directors were elected and paid by the residents elected. Mr. Hettman expressed concern that the Council Members and Agency Directors were going to take away his building "without me having an opportunity to fix it up or rebuild it", as well as the retirement for which he had worked so hard. In answer to Mr. Hettman's questions, Mayor/Chairperson Howard said that at this hearing, the CounciIIBoard would hear all public comment about the Proposed Amendment. Mr. Hettman said it was his understanding that the Council/Board could take his property and give it to a developer so the City could get more tax money. He discussed proposed projects in San Carlos and auto dealerships and the Circle Star Theater property. Mr. Hettman discussed the problems posed by commercial development to residences in the area, and said the people should make these kinds of decisions. He said no one had ever contacted him about the Storefront Improvement Project. He said there was no communication, "It's dictatorship.... You should help your citizens. Not take from the poor and give to the rich." - Victor Thomas, Lyngso Garden Materials, described the $500,000 improvements permitted by the City five years ago. He said their business was neat, clean and efficient and had always been a strong contributor to the community. Mr. Thomas said the area had compatible, healthy, stable and successful business. He said the EIR unfairly labels their neighborhood as blighted, and the consultant's Report is inaccurate. He said Lyngso's location was extremely important to its employees and its success. Bob Peter, 50 chemical Way yielded his time to Clem Molony. Clem Molony, Secretary of the Seaport Industrial Association, spoke in opposition to the proposed Amendment. He said he researched the issue and submitted a written comment. Mr. Molony said he wanted to speak for good planning. He said the businesses along Blomquist do not belong in Area 2, and asked the Council to listen to its traditional industrial companies and the real estate development industry. Mr. Molony said that the businesses along Blomquist are a special case, that they represent "a contiguous sub-area between Maple and Seaport" of compatible uses within a clearly delineated and logical boundary. Mr. Molony used four slides to show the businesses along Blomquist providing middle-class jobs, solid sales and property - AGENDA FOR THE JOINT PUBLIC HEARING MINUTE BOOK NO.1 JUNE 8,1998 AND CONCURRENT MEETING WITH THE Page No. 486 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL