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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRDA Minutes 1999-12-08_ MINUTES REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE C1TY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1999 MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM 33 ARROYO DRIVE CALL TO ORDER: 7:03 p.m. (Cassette Tape No. 1) ROLL CALL Present: Boardmembers Datzman, Mullin and Penna, Vice Chair Fernekes and Chairman Matsumoto. Absent: None. AGENDA REVIEW No changes. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the November 10, Regular Meeting and November 17, 1999 Special Meeting 2. Motion to Confirm Expense Claims of December 8, 1999 in the amount of $68,305.25 3. Motion to Cancel the Regular Meeting of December 22, 1999, and Schedule a Special Meeting for December 15, 1999 4. Resolution No. 18-99 Authorizing Execution of a Pre-Development Agreement with BRIDGE Housing to Prepare Construction Drawings for the Chestnut Creek Senior Housing Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $275,000 5. Final Acceptance for Improvements at 472 Grand Avenue/306 Spruce Avenue, South San Francisco Health Center Motion-Penna/Second-Mullin: To approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Unanimously approved by voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING 6. Precise Plan and Environmental Impact Report (PP-99-048 and EIR-97-027) to Construct a 136,000 Square Foot Retail Store in the Bay West Cove Development; Applicant: Wal Mart, Bay West Cove LTD (continued from September 22, and November 10, 1999 meetings) Counsel Mattas advised the Agency to reopen the public hearing. Motion-Fernekes/Second-Penna: To reopen the public hearing. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Staff report presented by Assistant Director Van Duyn Judy Davidoff, Baker & McKenzie, Two Embarcadero Center, 24th Floor, San Francisco, representing Wal Mart, stated that staff has recommended approval of this project. She urged the Agency to approve the Wal Mart Precise Plan tonight. She explained that the only new information before the Agency this evening are the economic and fiscal studies prepared by The Sedway Group and Economic Research Associates. Conclusions from both reports were similar. A few of the similarities were that Wal Mart would generate substantial new sales tax for the City, that the day worker population spends their earnings elsewhere, and that the effect on business on Grand Avenue would be minimal. The businesses on Grand Avenue were local serving and service oriented. She stated that the community wants a Wal Mart in South San Francisco and presented the Agency with over two thousand cards in support of Wal Mart. The Sedway Group (on behalf of Wal Mart), Three Embarcadero Center, Suite 1150, San Francisco made a brief presentation on Economic and Fiscal Impact Study. Their conclusions were that the City would receive net revenues in the amount of $326,000, Wal Mart would recapture sales leaking to other cities and that there would be employment opportunities of 300-350 jobs. (Chair Matsumoto stopped the public hearing momentarily for the pledge of allegiance and invocation to be given, refer to City Council Minutes) William Lee, Economics Research Associates (on behalf of the Redevelopment Agency), 388 Market Street, Suite 1580, San Francisco gave a summary of Retail Sales and Community Income Impact Analysis. Their opinions were that Wal Mart would provide a new source of sales tax revenue, Wal Mart's competition is other big box retailers, and the central business district is not strongly impacted by the arrival of Wal Mart and they tend to drive down wages. Daniel L. Cardozo, Adams Broadwell Joseph & Cardozo (on behalf of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 101), 651 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, stated the proposed Wal Mart project is inconsistent with the policies of the 1999 General Plan requiring the City to act affirmatively to promote and maintain the downtown area. Daniel T. Smith, Smith Engineering & Management (on behalf of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 101), 5311 Lowry Road, Union City, gave a brief summary on the traffic issue in the Bay West Cove site. Walter Johnson, 334 Holly Avenue, speaking against the project, stated that South San Francisco is the proud home of working people and requested that the Agency vote against Wal Mart. Tom Cornehlsenn, Milpitas, speaking in favor of the project, stated that Wal Mart is a wonderful place to work and that they would be good neighbors. REGULAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 2 Doris Gelene, 700 Newman, speaking in favor of the project, stated that the citizens of South San Francisco should have the opportunity to shop at Wal Mart. Robert Ortiz, 19 Randolph Avenue, speaking against the project, felt that Wal Mart will bring trouble to his neighborhood and the people that they would hire will be non-union. Bill Price, 233 Wicklow Drive, speaking against the project, stated that the downtown area is built up and that Wal Mart should not be allowed in South San Francisco. (Recess: 8:20 p.m. - 8:27 p.m.) Randell Oyler, 736 McClay Road, Novato, speaking against the project, stated that when the malls were built the downtown area went out of business. He felt this would happen once again if the Wal Mart project were approved. Gary Saunders, 1519 Rollins Road, Burlingame, representing Local No. 467, speaking against the project, stated that Wal Mart will replace the higher wage jobs. Another issue he raised was the looks of a big box at the entrance of the city. He would like to see the project turned down. Russell Champlin, 6105 Maree Court, San Jose, speaking in favor of the project, read various letters from his community thanking Wal Mart for their donations. Stephanie Torres, 465 Weskow Drive, San Jose, speaking in favor of the project, stated that Wal Mart takes care of their employees and that everyone should have an opportunity to shop at Wal Mart. Rosemarie Martin, 10300 Joyce Court, San Jose, speaking in favor of the project, stated that she has been an employee for almost ten years and that she is very happy working for them. Stanley J. Scovill, 838 Newman Drive, speaking in favor of the project, stated that the primary reason for a union was jobs and people. He felt that the unions here tonight should be organizing the people to become union members. He urged the Agency to give the people what they want. Joe Deal, 24772 Pear Street, San Jose, speaking in favor of the project, stated that Wal Mart respects their employees and that Wal Mart would be an asset to the community. Jim Firth, 208 Miller Avenue, representing Local No. 101, speaking against the project, commented on the traffic and pollution Wal Mart would be bringing into the community. Betty Harris, 770 Harmony Drive, Hayward, speaking in favor of the project, stated that Wal Mart is the best company she has ever worked for. She urges the Agency to give Wal Mart a chance. Jesus de Los Santos, 723 Highpoint Way, Hayward, speaking in favor of the project, that Wal Mart is a great neighbor. They contribute to different organizations within the communities. REGULAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 3 Ruth Sack, 2248 Shannon Drive, speaking against the project, felt that people who work for Wal Mart should earn enough money to live within South San Francisco. She brought up the fact that Wal Mart has been sued many times and urged the Agency to vote against Wal Mart. Stan Warren, 55 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, representing Local No. 40 speaking against the project, commented on the fact that Wal Mart had a campaign to "Buy American," but in fact purchased items overseas. He urged the Agency to vote no on Wal Mart. John Scantlin, 2220 Newton Drive, Brentwood, speaking in favor of the project, stated that Wal Mart is the largest retailer in the United States. They are a family organization and the employees are treated with respect. William Nack, 1153 Chess Drive, Foster City, representing the Building and Construction Trades Council of San Mateo County, speaking against the project, questioned whether the Agency wanted a big box at this site or were there other options. He urged the Agency to reject the project. Shelley Kessler, 1153 Chess Drive, Foster City, representing San Mateo County Central Labor Council, speaking against the project, commented that it is difficult for people to survive with wages earned from Wal Mart. She urged the Agency to reconsider and vote no on Wal Mart coming to South San Francisco. Cynthia Lin, Orange County, speaking in favor of the project, stated she attended an open forum sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Wal Mart also sent out a direct mail survey and received over two thousand responses in favor of Wal Mart coming to South San Francisco. Wal Mart offers items that are not available in the local community; they complement them. She concluded by saying that she hopes the people voices are heard. Chad Hagen, 1038 Houghton Court, San Jose, speaking in favor of the project, commented that working for Wal Mart has been one of the best experiences in his life. He said, that if Wal Mart was allowed to come into the community it would generate money for the city. Elizabeth Quintanilla, 1861 Girard Drive, Milpitas, speaking in favor of the project, felt that if Wal Mart was allowed to come to South San Francisco, people would get off unemployment and public assistance. The City would increase revenues if Wal Mart were allowed in South San Francisco. Dan Rush, 208 Miller Avenue, representing Central Labor Council of San Mateo County, speaking against the project, questioned why Wal Mart pays millions of dollars to law firms and not to their employees. He reminded the Agency that they had the opportunity to stop Wal Mart from coming into the community. Lisa Orlowski, 208 Miller Avenue, representing Local No. 101, speaking against the project, stated that Wal Mart is not handicap friendly. As a resident of Marin County, she commented that the Board of Supervisors was tempted by the potential revenue from Wal Mart, but decided against letting them in the community. REGULAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 4 Jackie Williams, 242 Longford, speaking against the project, was concerned with the traffic, guns being sold, and the downtown area being affected. She also felt the public was not notified regarding a big box being constructed at the Bay West Cove site. Richard Hedges, 208 Miller Avenue, representing Local 101, speaking against the project, stated he was surprised that ERA was selected to do the Income Impact Analysis Report, since that was not their expertise. He further commented that the Union had submitted quite a few documents for review. He also stated that the employees have not been treated fairly by Wal Mart. Chair Matsumoto commented that she was the one who suggested the Agency place ERA on its consultant list. Nick Tentes, 306 Grand Avenue, speaking against the project, gave a synopsis of the history of Grand Avenue. He felt the City did not need to go out and solicit more businesses. He said, we do not need a Wal Mart in our town. Earl Anexston, 1131 Escalero, Pacifica, speaking against the project, commented on the 60 Minutes television program. Public hearing closed Because of the lateness of the evening, Chair Matsumoto sought direction from the Agency as to whether they would like to proceed or continue the meeting at a later date. Boardmembers Mullin and Penna suggested that the Agency proceed with their comments. Boardmember Datzman and Vice Chair Fernekes were ready to make their decisions tonight. (Recess: 9:40 p.m. - 9:50 p.m.) Chair Matsumoto explained that there were three people who had not spoken because a notice had gone out with the wrong time. Public hearing reopened Leo Torio, 215 Linden Avenue, speaking against the project, commented that he has spoken to many people in the community and that they are against Wal Mart. He is afraid that if Wal Mart is approved, in a few years there will be meetings on how to revitalize the downtown area. He appealed to the Agency to vote against the Wal Mart application. John Guilaiano, 304 Arroyo Drive, speaking against the project, commented that he just found out about the meeting tonight. He urged the Agency to think about the community and the people who showed up tonight. Martha Larson, 713 Almond Avenue, speaking against the project, commented that she shops on Grand Avenue and feels it is an asset to the city. There are shops that will be in competition with Wal Mart and they will go out of business. When you have people thinking of South San Francisco, do you want them to think of Wal Mart or Grand Avenue? REGULAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 5 Counsel Mattas suggested the Agency have rebuttals as part of the public hearing. Judy Davidoff, Baker & McKenzie, Two Embarcadero Center, 24th Floor, San Francisco, commented that the Sedway Study interviewed over three hundred businesses and only two showed up tonight. She felt there was not an overwhelming objection. She continued by commenting on Mr. Cardozo's statements. (Cassette Tape No. 2) Dan Cardozo, Adams Broadwell Joseph & Cardozo, 651 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 900, reiterated that there is evidence supporting severe impact and displacement of downtown businesses. He asked the Agency to deny the action. Public hearing closed Boardmember Mullin stated he and Vice Chair Fernekes visited two Wal Marts. He continued to describe the stores and their locations. He questioned all three of the reports regarding benefits, wages, employee donations, and customer base. Boardmember Datzman also visited four different Wal Marts and was pleased with what he saw. He commented on the location site at Bay West Cove, the consistency with the Specific Plan, the success of Wal Mart and the revenue that would be generated if Wal Mart was to be at the Bay West Cove site. Boardmember Penna visited two Wal Marts. His main concerns were salaries, loss of business on Grand Avenue, land use and the appearance of the entrance to the city. He questioned Counsel Mattas if there were other alternatives that the Agency could pursue. Counsel Mattas replied that if the Agency wanted to modify the Specific Plan and Shearwater zoning area they would have to go through a legislative process. He continued to explain that if the Agency wanted to adopt an interim ordinance for a moratorium to prohibit use permits during the time the Agency considers the appropriate uses in the area. Vice Chair Fernekes described the various stores and locations that he and Boardmember Mullin visited. His concerns were wages, benefits, traffic patterns, Grand Avenue businesses, and the site as a gateway to the city. He concluded by saying that a big box was not the best use of the land. Boardmember Mullin felt that the Sedway Report and the ERA Report did reflect the same information regarding the impact to the Downtown Area. He also commented on new businesses that would be coming to the area if Wal Mart were allowed to proceed. He said that the Specific Plan does not meet the long-term goals for the area. He concluded by saying that he is prepared to change the Specific Plan for that area. Boardmember Penna and Vice Chair Fernekes are in support of a moratorium. Chair Matsumoto was concerned with the displacement of jobs, impact of the traffic and the interpretation of the General Plan. She questioned if she voted against Wal Mart would that include the moratorium. Counsel Mattas explained that the moratorium would REGULAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 6 have to be on the agenda for City Council. He continued to explain the zoning for the Bay West Cove Area. Boardmember Datzman questioned that if there was a moratorium, would it affect the current projects. Counsel Mattas answered that it could affect the adjacent parcels. Counsel Mattas suggested the Agency review the owner participation agreement they have with the master landowners. Assistant Director Van Duyn explained the moratorium could be the entire Specific Plan Area or the underdeveloped portion area in its present state. Motion-Penna/Second-Fernekes: To continue Precise Plan and Environmental Impact Report (PP-99-048 and EIR-97-027) to construct a 136,000 square foot retail store in the Bay West Cove Development: applicant Wal Mart, Bay West Cove LTD to December 15, 1999. Unanimously approved by voice vote. 7. Precise Plan (PP-99-053) to Approve a Freeway Oriented Pylon Sign and Overall Master Sign Program for the Bay West Cove Development; Applicant: Wal Mart, Bay West Cove LTD Motion-Mullin/Second-Penna: To continue Precise Plan (PP-99-053) freeway oriented pylon sign and overall master sign program for the Bay West Cove Development to December 15, 1999. Unanimously approved by voice vote. ADJOURNMENT Motion- Fernekes-Penna: To adjourn the meeting at 11:38 p.m. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Respectfully Submitted: Approved: ' Lgfida Patrick, Deputy Clerk at*s City of South San Francisco City of South San Francisco The entries of this Redevelopment Agency meeting show the action taken by the Board to dispose of an item. Oral communications, arguments, and comments are recorded on tape. The tape and documents related to the items are on file in the Office of the City Clerk and are available for inspection, review and copying. 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