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<br /> 1) Traffic. This is a major concern that has not been solved except in the ear 1940's with <br /> ration books and the early 1970's with the gas shortage. Traffic problems are increasing, <br /> but this project would not "contribute dramatically to this situation. We are in 'F' level on <br /> Bayshore ITeeway now, and we will be at 'F' level with this project....We have to move, as <br /> leaders of this community, more towards rapid transit and I will be working hard in that <br /> arena in the near future." <br /> 2) Uses in the Port area and along that corridor are another major concern. "I would like to <br /> find a way to guarantee that (the heavy industrial tenants) have a home out there. As long <br /> as I am a Council Member I would never support anything that would remove that <br /> industrial zone in existing parts (of the Port area.)" Councilman Claire stated that during <br /> his lifetime he watched many heavy industrial companies leave the City, as well as Ampex <br /> and others. He stated he was glad to hear at the public hearing that companies at the Port <br /> were committed to Redwood City, but he had heard that ITom companies no longer in <br /> Redwood City. He stated that most of the 96,000 workers laid off this January were in <br /> heavy industrials, and that future economic development in the U.S.A. would be in high <br /> tech. "Redwood City (cannot) hold on to the notion that 'smokestack America' is a viable <br /> alternative,.....it would be foolish. We have to look forward and look at the economic <br /> realities of where the jobs will be and that will be in high tech." Councilman Claire added, <br /> however, "I do not want to neglect the current industrial uses at the Port. <br /> 3) Environmental Impact. The EIR shows this project would result in a 4.9 acre loss of <br /> wetlands, but would be replaced with 20 acres of wetlands elsewhere. "That is a good <br /> mitigation." <br /> 4) Port expansion. Councilman Claire stated that in spite of what has been seen as past <br /> criticism of the Port, he is "really supportive of it. I want it to be a viable, very viable port. <br /> Because the State can't touch their money....so I am a major supporter of the Port....! <br /> believe that the Port with the 10 acres will have sufficient land mass to do what they want <br /> to do." <br /> Mayor Hartnett stated that over a period of time the Council has had the opportunity to <br /> become familiar with the property and land use change that had been compelled as a result <br /> of the proposed project. The Council had received a substantial amount of information <br /> which was well presented and well articulated by all parties. The Council had been <br /> presented a multi-faceted community view with respect to the land use change proposal. <br /> Mayor Hartnett said that each issue had been raised and dealt with and the Council had <br /> been fully informed. <br /> Mayor Hartnett expressed his concern regarding three basic factors, environmental, <br /> compatibility and traffic, "wrapped around the broader land use decision of what is the <br /> highest and best use of property in that general area, specifically the area before us, <br /> consistent with the goals of our community, (and that is) the kind of use that would be <br /> allowed under the land use change that is before us tonight. I feel that the environmental <br /> MINUTE BOOK NO. 54 Regular Meeting Minutes <br /> Page No. 082 February 12, 1996 <br /> Page 15 <br />