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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRDA Minutes 1999-10-20- MINUTES REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 20, 1999 CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM 400 GRAND AVENUE 1. Call to Order 6:07 p.m. 2. Roll Call Boardmembers Femekes, Mullin and Penna, Vice Chair Matsumoto and Chairman Datzman Staff Present: Executive Director Wilson, Agency Counsel Mattas, Assistant Director Van Duyn, Assistant City Manager Moss, Finance Director Steele, Chief Planner Sharp, Redevelopment Project Coordinator Beyer, CDBG Coordinator Fragoso, City Engineer Kianpour Consultants: Ms. Janet Smither-Heimer, Bay Area Economics; Mr. Mark Seiler, Mr. Steve Wehr, and Mr. Merritt Sher, Terranomics Others Present: Mr. Arvind Desai, Mr. Paul Copland, Mr. Rob Giorgi, Mr. Steve Giorgi, Mr. Tom Giorgi, Mr. Colin Post, and Ms. Michelle O'Donnell 3. Oral Communication None. 4. Study Session: Downtown Development Issues Staff report presented by Project Coordinator Beyer. Ms. Smither~Heimer presented slides of several successful Bay Area high density housing developments, that were recently built as examples of how cities are addressing housing in a downtown area. She also reviewed the report "Market Analysis for Residential Development in Downtown South San Francisco", and emphasized that this report is not site-specific. Boardmember Mullin asked that copies of the presentation be provided. He asked what the market base might be from El01 and Ms. Smither-Heimer stated that those estimates were not made in the report, but it can be provided. He stated the report provided beneficial information and he'd liked to see a similar housing development designed for the downtown area, but would like to know what effect it would have on the existing neighborhood. Boardmember Penna discussed with staff the cost of the market analysis and its purpose. There was also a discussion of Terranomics involvement, and the reasons why direction was given to have the report prepared. Staff stated the report is being used to demonstrate the market depth and to be used as a tool to convince people that the downtown has a market. Staff also stated the market analysis is available for anyone's information. Vice Chair Matsumoto asked for clarification on some of the questions employees in the El01 area responded to regarding housing and transportation issues. She found the responses to be contradictory. Ms. Smither-Heimer agreed there are inconsistencies. Ms. Smither-Heimer stated that greenspots or court yards were acceptable amenities, considering trades-offs such as convenience to work. The discussion also included explaining the next steps in the process regarding the market analysis, and phasing the development components. Chairman Datzman complimented the report and felt it accurately described the City's current position. He also supported the position that the City has a base for this type of housing in the downtown. Boardmember Penna suggested a policy be discussed that property owners be given the opportunity to develop their properties first. The Agency agreed the policy needed further discussion. By majority, the Agency directed staff to go forward with the market analysis and have visuals and design concepts prepared for the downtown. Staff indicated that it will take sixty days or so to prepare the work. Project Coordinator Beyer continued the study session with the second item of discussion, the Downtown Concept Plan. He stated that a uniform development is proposed with property owners' participation. Boardmember Penna reiterated his interest in having property owners be given the opportunity to develop the highest and best use for their own property. He suggested a policy be set before any plan is implemented. Several Boardmembers discussed with staff the concept of either developing a concerted effort of several interfacing components or property owners developing a project as permitted by the zoning ordinance. Vice Chair Matsumoto stated that the downtown development plan is to make South San Francisco a destination spot, and also voiced her support to include property owners in the process. Mr. Paul Copeland, architect for Mr. Arvind Desai, asked several questions regarding the proposed concept plan and felt the property could not be developed as discussed at the July 21 study session. He felt the site had soil problems and a parking garage would not be feasible. He further informed the Agency of the SPECIAL REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING OCTOBER 20, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 2 development proposals Mr. Desai has made to the Planning Division over the years. Mr. Arvind Desai, submitted documents that chronicled events that have taken place since 1994 regarding meetings and proposals for development of his property on Airport Boulevard. Mr. Bill Borba, Jr. asked for clarification on the process that the City is undertaking, its phasing process, and if there's an overall master plan. Staff responded that the plan will be phased, but the Agency must give direction for staff to proceed. The discussion continued between Boardmember Penna and staff regarding the concept plan and setting a policy for the property owners to be given an opportunity to develop their own parcels. Mr. Copeland and Mr. Desai addressed the Agency concerning the proposals that were submitted to the Planning Division over the past four years, and meetings that had taken place. Mr. Desai stated he had made several proposals including a hotel, and he has spent a lot of money. Mr. Post asked Mr. Desai for clarification regarding his issues and what transpired in his meetings with City officials. Boardmember Mullin asked Mr. Borba if he was amenable to participate in discussions and he stated that he would be foolish not to listen. Boardmember Fernekes questioned staff regarding a timeline and staff indicated it was a three-year process. Assistant Director Van Duyn stated his support for Terranomics stability and that they have a track record for making their proposals happen. Boardmember Penna further discussed with the Board and staff his proposed policy. A majority of the Board favored direction be given to staff to proceed with the first phase, and implement the owner participation procedures. It was also discussed that a hotel may not be the best use of the parcels. There was a consensus that Messrs. Desai and Borba be given the opportunity to participate in the development and Mr. Desai be compensated for his efforts. The Agency also agreed that a timeline be developed to insure a doable project. (Recess: 8:36 p.m. - 8:44 p.m.) Project Coordinator Beyer continued his staff report and presented information regarding Mr. Robert Giorgi's proposal for developing the 200 block of Baden Avenue with a new furniture store. A site plan was submitted to the Agency for their information. -" Mr. Robert Giorgi stated that his proposal will bring the largest independently owned department store in the Bay Area to South San Francisco. He further stated the terms of his proposal as stated in the staff report. SPECIAL REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING OCTOBER 20, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 3 Staff stated it was seeking direction from the Agency to pursue the proposal. The Agency voiced their support to have the proposal studied further and to determine whether or not it is feasible. Mr. Post asked if trucks will be able to maneuver through the alley and Chairman Datzman responded that the Police Department will work with Mr. Giorgi during the permit process. 5. Adjournment Motion-Fernekes/Second-Mullin: To adjourn the meeting at 9:01 p.m. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Respectfully Submitted: Approved: Pay~ ~i~y. a zmanl i~ Sylvia M. r~c City of South San Francisco of South San isco The entries of this Redevelopment Agency meeting show the action taken by the Agency 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. SPECIAL REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING OCTOBER 20, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 4