1. Answer questions raised during the last two meetings, by public, City Council, Planning Commission and Architectural Review Committee;
   
   Community Development Services Director Nelson began with a presentation of staff and consultant answers to questions that have been asked in the last two meetings or via e-mail between the last and this meeting.
   
   
   1. Revitalization of the Downtown and why a retail/cinema project?

      Revitalization of the Downtown has been an objective for a number of years and in 1996, the Council, as result of an initiative shared with the Chamber of Commerce, adopted an economic development strategy. One of the specific focuses of that strategy was the Downtown.

   2. Factors that specifically led to a retail/cinema proposal are several.
      
      The factors are as follows:
      
      
      • The City's Economic Development consultant advised the downtown retail/cinema was a viable and tested strategy.
      • The market forces would support the redevelopment
      • Unsolicited, three cinema developers approached the City with the idea of a cinema in the downtown.
      • There existed a window in time when private market would cause a project to happen
      • The cinema industry was adopting new interiors and moving throughout the country from outlying areas into downtown areas.
      • Regarding Redwood City, there is a significant block that is under utilized and in some parts vacant, within close proximity to parking, the train station and directly on the retail spine of the downtown.

      The City has a history of successful initiatives to improve the downtown:

      • City Hall
      • Main Library
      • City Center Plaza
      • Mezes (UC Berkeley)
      • Franklin Street Project
      • Marshall Street Garage
      • Entry features and sidewalks

      The proposed retail/cinema project is one more initiative among many and there will be other initiatives, such as housing and public plaza, as a result of the Downtown Plan now being crafted by the Downtown Task Force and the community.

   3. What process was utilized to select the developer of the project?

      Two and a half years ago, the City Council, Planning Commission and Architectural Review Committee met to establish criteria for a Request for Proposals (RFP) in May of 1998. Proposals were submitted by four teams:

      • Burnham Pacific Properties - AMC Entertainment Inc.
      • Civic Partners - Brenden Theatre Corporation
      • The Innisfree Companies - Century Theatres
      • W.L. Butler - Mann Theatres

      The final team of the Innisfree Companies - Century Theatres was recommended by the subcommittee to the Redevelopment Agency Board. Note: The three other cinema operators, at this time, are either not expanding or not capable of obtaining financing.

   4. The following is the chronology of meetings on the proposed retail/cinema project.
      
      
      • May, 1998 - Study session with City Council, Planning Commission and Architectural Review Committee to gather project input.
      • May, 1999 - Informational meeting request by downtown merchant community.
      • July, 1999 - Development team holds meeting to gather project input.
      • November, 1999 - Downtown Idea Exchange.
      • January and February, 2000 - Environmental Impact Report (EIR) scoping sessions.
      • August, 2000 - Planning Commission public hearings on Draft EIR.
      • October, 2000 - Planning Commission public hearing on Final EIR.
      • November, 2000 to January 2001 - Public Forums.

      Excluding the neighborhood associations meetings, this meeting on January 8, 2001, is the 12th public meeting regarding the proposed retail/cinema project.

   5. How is the need for downtown parking determined?

      The need for downtown parking is determined by two factors, activities that people participate in and time of day.

      Time of Day: A map of the downtown public parking lots was displayed and focused on the Middlefield parking lot (#3 on the map), or Block 2 in the retail/cinema project. The block, under the proposal, would eventually have an approximately 1,000 space parking garage. The floor representing the second floor of the parking garage was shown and Block 2 at the bottom of the view showed an office building with the parking adjacent to it and during the day about 323 of those spaces would be taken by office users. In the evening, those same parking spaces would be used by retail and cinema patrons who would go across the street. The result is no parking conflict, but the parking spaces are shared by time of day.

      Activity: Focusing on the area referred to as the City Hall lot, patrons may park and go to restaurant uses on Broadway, Main Street, the gym or post office. This is considered a shared space because more than one activity occurs with that single parked vehicle.

      When speaking of the parking, the issue really is the conflicts occurring on Friday and Saturday nights. The current condition at Century 12 is that there are 3,500 seats with 1,200 parking spaces available. Those parking spaces are within a walking distance of 1,000 feet (viable walking distance). In the downtown retail/cinema scenario, there are 4,200 seats with 3,500 parking spaces within 1,000 feet walking distance. Consequently, for the additional 700 seats added to the number of cinema seats, there is actually an excess of 2,300 spaces available. By utilizing a graph, it was shown that excess parking would exist at all times of the day, all days of the week, except between 1-3 p.m. on Friday afternoons when people come downtown for lunch. In that case, there would be parking available beyond the 1,000 feet walking distance.

   Planning and Redevelopment Manager Church/Director of Redevelopment Agency explained he would be responding to questions accumulated at the November and December meetings that follow.

   6. Who will own the office building?

      The developer will own the office building. The proposal being considered contains a proposal for a 108,400 square foot office building on Block 2, adjacent to the railroad tracks.

   7. Are there other land takings besides Viva Mexico?

      Yes, there are 8 or 9 private parcels that would have to be acquired or assembled as part of the project for the entire site completion.

   8. Will funding for the acquisition come from the Agency?

      No, the developer is proposing under the draft Development and Disposition Agreement (DDA) to advance a total of $14m to enable the Agency to complete the acquisition and relocation and other required duties under the DDA.

   9. Is there an estimate of the financial contribution to the entire project?

      Yes, there will be no City contribution. As proposed, the City and the Redevelopment Agency will receive more than they will be giving in terms of the value of the parking structure vs. the sites that will be transferred to the developer.

   10. Can we earmark the project revenues for other projects in the downtown?

       Yes, although in practice, these revenues will come in twice yearly increments and the amounts in the very early years will not amount too much. So, in reality the Agency is more likely to budget revenues available in a given year for a particular project, rather than wait for revenues to accumulate.

   11. What will the City do to provide for displaced businesses, including Police Athletic League (PAL) and Aurora School?

       Under the Redevelopment Law, the Agency is obligated to relocate the businesses and residential tenants, if any, that are on the site. Fixtures and equipment would be moved or by option, purchasing some of them. Both PAL and Aurora School are located in the "Way to Go" building and have known that it was a short-term arrangement. The City has been working with both organizations to facilitate their relocation.

   12. Describe how the formula results in a net of $829,000 to the City and Redevelopment Agency and comment if this is a minimal amount?

       The actual revenue projection for the project included approximately $450,000.00 in net funds that would go to the City General Fund and approximately $22,000.00 to the parking fund, approximately $156,000.00 to the Redevelopment Agency General Fund, and approximately $183,000.00 to the Agency Housing Fund. Based upon percent of revenues for the 2001/02 year, the increase to the General Fund would be less than 1%, to the Parking Fund just under 4%, to the Agency General Fund, just over 4% and to the Agency Housing Fund, just over 11%. None of these totals are deemed to be minimal.

   13. What does Agency powers mean?

       The power of eminent domain, the ability to purchase property, so long as fair market is paid.

   14. What are the dimensions of the Metreon project in San Francisco?

       To the best of collective knowledge, the height along the street is 70 feet, stepping up to at least 125 feet at the highest point, partly due to the height of the Imax cinema screen. The overall Metreon site is approximately 20% bigger than the proposed retail/cinema project.

   15. How much has the City invested so far in the project?

       The direct expenses for the Redevelopment Agency has totaled approximately $300,000.00 over almost a 3-year period.

   16. How much has been spent on information distribution, such as community hearing notices/brochures?

       The total so far is approximately $50,000.00 with the bulk going toward mailing costs.

   Traffic Engineer Haygood explained his points would be pertaining to traffic signal coordination in downtown and El Camino Real.

   17. El Camino Real is already a coordinated corridor, maintained by Caltrans. This may not be obvious during peak periods when some intersections approach capacity, but is more apparent when traffic is a little lighter. If Caltrans added more green signal time for Jefferson at El Camino (they have already added a little), then El Camino would have less green time and further deterioration of its signal coordination.
       
       
   18. Currently, no equipment is in place to allow coordination between the El Camino/Jefferson intersection and the adjacent Jefferson corridor signals. Staff has approached Caltrans regarding potential installation of equipment at El Camino/Jefferson that could allow coordination with the adjacent Jefferson signals. The City would probably have to pay for all costs to purchase and install this equipment, if Caltrans allows it.
       
       
   19. The RTSOP project has provided the hardware to make coordination of downtown traffic signals feasible, but coordination would have consequences. Coordination on one street can cause increased delay for traffic on the cross streets and for pedestrians, especially during off-peak times when uncoordinated signals responding to the traffic demands at each intersection independently may be more effective on average. Another consideration is that successful coordination of signals would allow higher vehicle speeds through downtown, which is somewhat contradictory to a "pedestrian-friendly" environment.
       
       

   Police Chief Bolanos responded to the following questions.

   20. Does the County jail impact the project?

       It's unknown if it will or not. Currently, the County jail does not impact the downtown in regards to crime.

   21. When do prisoners get released into downtown?

       They get released from the jail and those individuals are free to go wherever they wish. Currently, they can be released anytime, however, they are generally released between 6 and 9 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m., 7 and 8 p.m., and midnight to 1 a.m. A survey was conducted between Friday, December 1, 2000 and Sunday, December 3, 2000. A total of 95 inmates were released from the County jail for time served after posting bail on their on recognizance or a citation. Seventy-four, or 78% of those individuals, either received a ride from the jail, called a taxi or used a bus or other mode of transportation. Eighteen of those individuals, or 19%, walked from the jail. When surveyed, 3% did not know what their mode of transportation was upon leaving.

   22. What kinds of Police issues will we see with such a project?

       In order to try to determine the answer, Police Departments were called in areas where new cinema projects had been built.

       Santa Cruz - the complex, which is approximately 4 years old, resulted in theatre lines extending out onto the sidewalk, traffic control problems brought by vehicles stopping in front of the theatres to load, unload and/or check movie times. There was no single increase in criminal activity.

       San Luis Obispo - minimal crime problems with the largest problem being traffic, specifically, caused by people crossing the street via an uncontrolled pedestrian crosswalk.

       Santa Monica - located in the Third Street promenade area has had some problems with transients panhandling the patrons, but has dealt with the issue. They have had no traffic problems, partly because they have many parking structures in the area and they maintain a highly visible Police presence due to the theatre and large number of restaurants in the area.

   23. Should there be a Police substation downtown?

       Currently, it would be very difficult to find a location for a substation. Secondly, it is a concern that it raises a public expectation that a substation would be staffed. Generally, what is found is that the Police officers are more useful when they are patrolling and visible, rather than staying in a stationary position.

   Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Centeno responded to one question.

   24. Were the figures represented in the consultant proposal for maintenance of the parking structure accurate?

       The department was contacted and is responsible for the maintenance of the parking structure. The costs were actually those used for the parking structure on Marshall Street. City Manager clarified that the $1,500.00 per year is for elevator maintenance only and $42,000.00 for other maintenance. Roberta Mundie, of Mundie and Associates, reported the costs are actually estimated much higher at approximately $200,000.00 per year.

   Joe Syufy, Century Theatres, responded to the following question.

   25. A request to break out the demographics into age groups was requested.

       Mr. Syufy apologized stating that data of that nature is not collected. The only data collected pertains to ticket prices, that being how many child, adult or senior tickets are sold. He stated 5-6% of tickets sold are to children (12 and under), the same to seniors and the balance to adults. Bargain matinees are not included because the ticket prices are all the same.

   Tim Kelly, of Keyser Marston Associates, responded to one comment.

   26. The City is giving land to the developer in exchange for a garage estimated to cost $20,000,000.00, which will generate revenue of $220,100.00 a year. This is slightly better than a 1% return on investment per year to the City, hardly a good deal.

       He stated the comment is not based upon a correct interpretation of the proposed agreement which is that the $20,000,000.00 is not a City or Agency expense. It is an expense being funded by the private developer; however, the City/Agency will own the garage. The cost to the Agency to get the $20,000,000.00 from the developer is that of conveying two parcels of substantially less value, approximately one quarter less of the value. The cost to the Agency is substantially less than $20,000,000.00. The return to the Agency, the $220,000.00, is partly reflective of the City's policy towards parking charges.

   Roberta Mundie, Mundie and Associates, the consultant that prepared the economic report for the retail/cinema proposal responded to the following questions.

   27. The continuing success of the other cinema projects studied in the economic report was questioned.

       The economic report discusses the number of cinema projects in other communities' downtowns and reviews their record. As the report mentions, the original research for those reviews was undertaken some time ago, but this fall was updated again with staff and/or project representatives in each one of the cities of Berkeley, Oakland, Concord, Long Beach, San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz. All of the projects continue to perform well. As noted in an earlier meeting, one project has come and gone, that being in downtown San Jose.

   28. Concerns assert that downtown merchants have not bought into the project.

       A survey of downtown businesses was conducted as part of the economic study. Approximately 250 questionnaires went out to both retail and nonretail businesses and the result of the 102 questionnaires returned is included in Chapter 6 of the economic report. The purpose of the survey was to help understand booth retail and nonretail context in which the project would be developed. If merchants are interpreted to mean retail, what resulted is that of the merchants who returned surveys, opinion was fairly evenly divided among those who thought the project would have a positive effect, no effect at all, or a negative effect. Some of the negative effect came from the small number of people who actually would be displaced by the project. How projects of this nature really work is that merchants recognize expanding opportunities as those expanding opportunities occur and then decide when or how they will take advantage of those opportunities for their own businesses. Merchants are not required to respond, but the opportunities for increased business are often very attractive and very seductive which is why redevelopment projects of this kind work so well. Not every merchant needs to participate in those opportunities in order for many merchants to experience positive benefits of the project.

   David Irmer, representing the Innisfree Companies, co-developer of the project, addressed the following questions.

   29. What is the long-term maintenance program and guarantees in maintaining not only the buildings, but also the surrounding areas of the buildings?

       They have initiated a license agreement that would spell out in some detail the scope of the building maintenance, grounds maintenance and sidewalk maintenance plans. It calls for a painting schedule, maintenance of landscaping, sidewalk, furniture, steam cleaning and other issues. Mr. Irmer stated it is incumbent on the developer and they certainly want to enter into the license agreement at the same time as the development agreement.

   30. Will there be a priority or allowance for the displacement of businesses currently at the site?

       Under the Redevelopment relocation and under the Redevelopment authority these businesses that will be displaced will be relocated and those that are interested in being part of the project are encouraged to discuss the options with the developer. Mr. Irmer stated they are open to discussions with all merchants currently at the site.

   31. Discuss the tenancies relative to the mix of daytime, nighttime uses, and how the theatre might encourage tenancy uses or tenancy mix throughout the project.

       There is great history in this regard. This is not the first retail/cinema in the downtown circumstance. They have reviewed the retail/cinema complex project, downtown revitalization and redevelopment in 14 major cities from here to Florida to New York City to Chicago and throughout the state of California. Mr. Irmer reported he has been to 14 different relocation, redevelopment downtown retail/cinema projects that would be prideful of any community. He stated what he has found is that the hours of retail opportunity extend themselves into the life of the theatre use. So you find tenants like restaurants, bookstores and open marketplaces that continue to enliven and enrich a downtown well beyond the typical hours of 10-6 or 10-8. With that extension of time comes a great deal of activity in the downtown and therefore, the life and the heartbeat of any community. People want to be where people are and theatre brings that heartbeat to the downtown to the degree that other tenants want to be there. The theatre is the anchor and centerpiece and around that come a variety of interests. Consideration of two major anchor tenants of a national origin is planned.

   32. How does the downtown project address fitting into the charm of the downtown? Address small businesses and chains and ways to attract local businesses.

       The reason the developer has spent two years of their effort is because of the real belief that downtown is a place to be bringing capital, experience and to enliven and enrich a downtown centerpiece with great hope. There are icons of architectural opportunity that you may find strolling the downtown area during the daytime. The architectural opportunity the developer has brings some identity with better times past, with a new format that will bring a sense that something urban and new is taking place - a reason to be here. Not only will the retailers present an opportunity for enjoyment, but also the buildings will be lovely, blending and melding into the existing charm of the downtown.

   33. What studies or data show that retail makes a cinema successful?

       Mr. Irmer stated he knows that cinema can make retail successful. There is a synergy between the two that works nicely when they are appropriate and do work together in size and substance. The opportunity that Century brings to the project and downtown is of that substance. Century is an operator that is successful, financially capable and wants to be downtown.

   34. Describe the organizational structure of project, legal entities and relationships.

       The entity before you is Western Innisfree Ventures LLC, the entity given the Request for Proposal and now accepted as the developer. There is a 50-50 relationship between Western and Innisfree. Mr. Irmer stated he has taken the lead on some issues, mostly day to day issues, and Brad Blake has taken the lead on working with financial resources, leasing and working with major tenants.

   35. What are the anchor stores?

       As expressed earlier, it is too early in the program to connect to any specific tenant. Until there is a transaction between the City and developer, it is premature to speak to specific people about a specific location, style, design or scope of project. Both Mr. Irmer and Mr. Blake have been associated with the International Council of Shopping Centers, leased millions of square feet of retail space and as such have friendly tenants they talk with. Any talks will continue on an informal basis until there is a commitment on both sides to go forward with the project. Two anchor tenants are in the plan, one located at Middlefield and Jefferson and the other at the no. 1 corner at Broadway and Jefferson, with the theatre anchor at Broadway and Middlefield. Visualizing the site, every corner is anchored. In the site plan, the middle block of Middlefield creates a tenant interest that plays from Mezes Plaza, coming across the railroad tracks from Sequoia Station into a pedestrian friendly concourse that leads one in both eye and foot into the centerpiece of retail and theatre activity. The vision is for two significant tablecloth restaurants, not a number of fast food opportunities. They will most likely come up and down the streets as called for, but that particular block is a significant block with national tenants of 20,000-25,000 square feet in size.

   36. ARC Member Howard stated that some complaints from current businesses in the area are that the developer has not yet spoken to them regarding their remaining in the site area. Is it not true that you are legally precluded from going to them until there is some form of agreement?

       Yes, until there is a development agreement that is very clear what the transaction includes, caution must be observed.

   37. Council Member Pierce asked, should there be an agreement, would there be an effort made to do something to link with the existing merchants in the area for more cohesion?

       There is currently a downtown merchants association. A more formalized merchants association would not be found in a community shopping center for obvious reasons. Many people are independent retailers and do not want to lock into expensive merchants associations or commitments that a larger retailer may encumber the smaller retailer with. Most likely this retail opportunity will want to become a part of the greater downtown retail business and their association.

   38. Planning Commissioner Piulle asked how this development would be different from Sequoia Station in maintenance of the public amenities such as the plaza area.

       Mr. Irmer stated that the area must be managed and maintained as much as possible. There are certain rights that people have to sit on a bench, particularly, on public property such as sidewalks, open spaces, and in and about the garage area. If there is vandalism or damage to any of the public property the company is involved with, they must replace or repair it.

   39. Planning Commissioner Foust asked if the financial implications to the company might be explained pursuant to the time expended with a comparison to other projects and the partners/shareholders thoughts on the time spent.

       Mr. Irmer stated his company specializes in Redevelopment activity. They enjoy working with the community and being forthright with the development process, which takes time. The company has worked on the project for two years, has spent in excess of $1,000,000.00 and there still is no transaction. The opportunity cost is great in any Redevelopment activity. They are excited about the next step.

   40. Council Member Jordan asked if it is feasible to preserve the facades of some buildings and incorporate them into the plan?

       Mr. Irmer stated the company has looked at the facades of the buildings mentioned and they feel they do not fit into the scheme coming forth. He further stated that they are committed to coming before the Architectural Review Committee and Planning Commission to listen to comments and suggestions.

   The following questions were asked of Community Development Director Nelson.

   41. Council Member Jordan stated that complaints from the public have been that not enough information has been received on the project. She asked Community Development Director Nelson to explain what was gained from the Idea Exchange?

       Ms. Nelson stated that the comments from the Idea Exchange and subsequent neighborhood association meetings were compiled totaling over 800. They were first reported in a summary format with the 15 top ideas listed in a brochure that was mailed last spring. That was the invitation to the community to apply to the Downtown Task Force. The Idea Exchange summary was reproduced in October and redistributed to Council, posted to the City website and the Downtown Task Force has all 800 ideas that they are considering incorporating in the proposed downtown plan.

   42. How many people are on the Task Force and what is the primary objective?

       Ms. Nelson responded that they are tasked by a subcommittee of three members of the Council to prepare both a graphic and written plan for the downtown. The strength of the consultant team that was hired to assist the Task Force (15 members) is that there will also be an implementation plan.

   43. 43. Have we ever had a concerted effort to recruit retailers?

       Yes, to some degree. That is part of the economic strategy and we also have heard from a number of developers, retailers and commercial brokers, that there needs to be a critical mass before the retail will complete the downtown. The economic consultant advising the Downtown Task Force has encouraged that there needs to be more housing and additional more high-end office.

   Recess: 9:05-9:25 p.m.

2. Input from Planning Commission and Architectural Review Committee Members, regarding issues the City Council should consider;

   Architectural Review Committee Comments:

   Member Gilman stated several members share similar concerns in the need for more information in order to make an educated judgement on the project. Some of the specific items desired would be street diagrams, circulation diagrams delineating any changes in street patterns, and vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns in and around the cinema. A three-dimensional model of the project as well as the surrounding context in order to understand the physical massing of the building and its relationship to some of the massing of the adjacent buildings on surrounding streets is important. Eye-level views of the project from a variety of locations will assist in understanding the relationship to the scale of the street. Sections that clearly show the relationship of the massing to the street and sidewalk widths are necessary. The detail of how the plazas will be created and designed to encourage pedestrian use is needed to demonstrate that this will be a quality development that in fact fits into the downtown. Details and drawings relative to the office building and parking garage need to be equally shown. One final concern is the potential for a canyon being created between Sequoia Station and the new development as well as the view from the train.

   Member Spotorno stated that a signage program appropriate to the downtown would be a consideration. He stated some of the urban design issues extend beyond the project such as traffic mitigation improvements at intersections and three-dimensional manifestations of those should be provided. The connection from Sequoia Station through the train area described earlier and the previous rework having been done should be demonstrated.

   Member Gee stated standards should be established for benches, light fixtures and trash receptacles.

   Member Howard assured the public that the ARC is a premiere committee on the Peninsula and that the project will be studied very closely, the expectations of an urban project are that this will be of quality, head and shoulders above anything he has seen in any suburban location. He stated a desire to pursue options such as curved escalators architecturally integrated into the building and encouraged the developer to tour the Fox Theatre to look at some of the existing architecture. Another consideration mentioned if the theatres are scaled back is a second floor restaurant lining Broadway providing an opportunity for windows and landings to provide more energy. The last point was if bringing down the WPA building, it would make sense to do that in conjunction with any other demolition in the area.

   Planning Commission Comments:

   Commissioner McCoy made comments on behalf of Commissioner Paulson as follows: Attention to the parking and office structure is needed. The interim urgency ordinance should be considered in respect to floor area ratios and other points, and whether this project fits within any forthcoming regulations. Concern that the project fit with the downtown and the desire for a less dressed rendering that will reflect the true scale of the buildings in comparison to the surroundings was stated. A final question is why housing was removed from the equation.

   Commissioner McCoy stated he shares many of the concerns already expressed. He stated he has seen the Santa Cruz model and that it certainly changes the look of the downtown. He stated his final concern is the traffic and is still concerned that there are a number of impacts that cannot be mitigated.

   Commissioner Garcia stated that he would like to explore some subsidizing of smaller businesses and expressed concern regarding the closure of Winslow.

   Commissioner Piulle commented that we are missing an opportunity for housing and that high density housing next to the transportation corridor should be considered rather than office building.

   Commissioner Foust stated that her comments are regarding vision and strategy and that the question should be "What is it that you want to see in Redwood City downtown?" In that, what is it that will benefit the community at large, what type of project would serve all the demographic components in Redwood City? She stated it should also consist of right combination of retail in between national and local funky kind of shops giving character and flavor. Restaurants should accommodate all demographics, the financial stability of Century should be considered, and the vision for alternatives should be explored.

   Commissioner Giannini spoke of the digital age and whether the project would be successful beyond 5-10 years with an economic life incorporating the new concepts in the future.

3. Listen to any additional comments from public;

   Patricia Dixon stated a need to be guaranteed safety when walking a block or two to a parking garage. She expressed a concern that the same issues as Spanky's not be repeated and asked what type of handicap facilities will be provided, if high rise parking garages will have sound studies, and if there will be emergency equipment accessibility.

   Vera Goldsmith, commercial property owner directly across from the proposed project, stated she is very concerned about whether the parking will accommodate the theatre, retail, dining, tenants, merchants and customers. She asked if there would be arrangements for the merchants' customer parking. In a letter to the Planning Commission, she stated she expressed the idea for a nice upperscale hotel.

   Brenda Townsend questioned why the city needs another theatre when the Century 12 currently meets the needs. The traffic flow on El Camino Real will be worse and people outside the community will be attracted to the area.

   Royal P. Farros asked if there has been a traffic flow analysis, will street widening occur, are there any simple studies timing trips down Broadway. He stated alternatives should be explored.

   Lupe Kavapalu stated she attends Sequoia High and that the project is a great idea. She further stated her friends would like to work in the area and the businesses in the area would benefit.

   Ms. Patterson questioned why the project is not a part of the comprehensive General Plan or the Downtown Task Force plan. She asked why it is called Century 20 and why there is no parking under the proposed retail/cinema building. Trading land for buildings is shortsighted, land appreciates and buildings do not. She asked that a prerequisite for hiring of a consultant be that they have demonstrated success in other projects.

   Bob Bryant stated the downtown has become a conglomerate of banks and organizations, the residents deserve retail/cinema and this is the way to do it. He further stated housing deserves to be downtown as well.

   Rudy Luca stated the impact of the project will be traffic, creating gridlock and the downtown and parking areas will suffer. He further stated that if a Police substation were not built there would be problems.

   Keith Bautista stated he recently visited San Luis Obispo and it was alive with customers at clothing stores, the cinema and restaurants. He stated he would love to have downtown alive with venues that would encourage his family and others to come to the downtown. He stated he believes the retail/cinema would help create the same conditions that have helped San Luis Obispo become a wonderful place for the use of the community.

   Randy Blair, Pizza and Pipes owner and Vice President of the business group in Redwood City, stated the group sent out its own questionnaire. A total of 198 postcards were sent out with 31 having been returned. The primary question was, "Do you think that a retail/cinema project would help revitalize downtown Redwood City?" Three were not sure, 5 answered no and the other 23 were all in favor. An informal vote of hands also showed two people were undecided and everyone else was in favor of the project. He stated his delivery business would be greatly affected by the Winslow closure. He further stated there are no guarantees, only opportunities.

   Alan Bygdnes stated that the parking garage profit is a risk and suggested the City sell the property to the developer. He explained that investing the proceeds in government bonds along with the property tax generated to the City would provide a much higher profit than the plan currently under consideration.

   City Manager Everett gave the following responses to questions posed by the public.

   44. Concerns regarding the safety issue of walking one block to the parking garage.

       There will be security in the parking garage and around the cinema. Community Service Officers will also be stationed in various areas for both traffic issues and pedestrian safety. This will not be a repeat of Spanky's and the facility will be equipped for disabled access.

   45. Can emergency vehicles get around?

       Yes, both the Police and Fire Chiefs have been involved in this issue.

   46. Concern with parking and whether arrangements will be available for merchant customers?

       The 1,000 stall parking garage is not just for the project, in fact, it is for everyone downtown.

   47. Why do we need another 20-screen theatre when there is a 12-screen theatre on the other side of the freeway?

       It is our plan, when we open this 20-screen theatre we will close the 12-screen theatre.

   48. There is a lot of traffic on El Camino Real and that will create a problem.

       There are approximately 40 pages of traffic analysis and that chapter of the EIR is available for reference.

   49. A concern expressed was that we would be servicing people outside Redwood City.

       The response is yes, we want to do that and most every city would love to have people come into their city, spend money and then go home creating the very best retail process.

   50. Why is Century moving now?

       Century believes it is a good opportunity for them to go from what is becoming an antiquated facility to becoming a stadium seating state of the art facility.

   51. Was there a flow analysis of traffic?

       There have been tremendous amounts of study and that section can be extrapolated.

   52. Has C/CAG reviewed this project?

       Yes, C/CAG has reviewed the project and Council Member Hartnett is the Chair of C/CAG.

   53. Why 20 screens?

       As mentioned previously, it gives the theatre much more flexibility for several reasons. You can have multiple shows with multiple starting times so that all show times are not starting at the same time. It also allows certain movies to remain longer and a wider variety of movies to be shown.

   54. Why no parking under the building?

       There is a large flood control culvert that runs throughout the area.

   55. Why trade land for buildings?

       The economic analysis proved this to be a better deal for the City.

   56. The consultant should be working with the Downtown Task Force.

       There is a consultant working with the task force and the group is quite knowledgeable of activities in many other cities.

   57. Is the City aware of the C/CAG guidelines?

       Yes

   58. Concerns about traffic gridlock and parking.

       Again, those concerns have been addressed previously.

   59. What is the size of the retail stores?

       There will be 80,000 square feet of retail broken down into two anchor tenants. The estimate is 25,000 square feet each for the two anchors, a series of smaller shops and three restaurants.

   60. Issues of safety in downtown.

       The Police Chief has addressed safety issues.

   61. A request to not close Winslow was made.

       The closure is still up for debate and to be discussed later.

   62. The proposal was made that the City could sell the garage site to the developer and not operate it.

       The analysis has shown that the City would like to own and operate the garage so that it is a public garage for all.

   Commissioner Garcia stated that even though the theatre would contain 4,200 seats there would average between 1,500-1,800 people at any given time.

   City Manager Everett stated that maximum blockbuster success in the industry is 60% or 2,500 seats occupied.

   Commissioner McCoy referred to a parking fee with a reimbursement that exists in Oceanside.

   City Manager Everett stated it is really a policy decision regarding parking fees.

   Council Member Pierce asked for information regarding parking charges in other cities and the resulting patronage.

   Council Member Jordan stated she wants the project to reflect the historical heritage of Redwood City, to take advantage of the climate by including an outdoor seating restaurant. She further stated the questions and responses should be made available on the website and paper copes for the public. Council Member Jordan stated she still supports the idea of contracting for a traffic simulation.

   Council Member Hartnett stated that many questions have been addressed and the next step is for Council to consider a development agreement.

   Council Member Howard thanked everyone for attending the meetings. She stated the biggest concerns continue to be traffic and asked if a summary might be prepared showing the boundaries of Veterans, Woodside, Whipple and El Camino Real information. She also stated the architecture and outdoor seating in the Palm Springs downtown site is one that could be studied.

   Vice Mayor Claire stated that conclusions regarding traffic could be drawn by standing at Broadway and Jefferson.

   Council Member Pierce stated she would like to hear what the project would bring that makes Redwood City a better place, aside from the monetary value.

   City Manager Everett stated that from staff's standpoint, finances have not driven them. The driving force has been how to revitalize downtown and bring people to downtown.

10. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None

11. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES REPORTS - None

12. CLOSED SESSION - None

13. ADJOURNMENT - 11:00 p.m.

M/S Hartnett/Pierce to adjourn until the next regular meeting of January 22, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in honor of Howard Ulrich, former City Manager of Redwood City from 1965-1970. Mr. Ulrich died on January 3, 2001. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote by those present.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia S. Howe, CMC

City Clerk