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HomeMy WebLinkAboutrda min 1980/03/06 8 PM MINUTES OF A WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Thursday - 8:23 p.m. March 6, 198D A workshop meeting of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Chula Vista was held on the above date, beginning at 8:23 p.m. following the regularly scheduled Rede- velopment Agency meeting in the Council Chambers of the Public Services Building, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, with the following: MEMBERS PRESENT Chairman Hyde; Members McCandliss, Scott, Gi1low, Cox Members Absent None ST AFF PRESENT Executive Director Cole, Community Development Director Desrochers, Special Counsel Reed, Development Services Administrator Robens, Community Development Coordinator Sanseverino, Senior Planner Pass, Agency Attorney Lindberg ALSO PRESENT Richard Zogob, Ed Laguardia STATUS OF ALPHA BETA At the January 24 focus area workshop session, Agency members requested further meetings of this nature be held with the developer. Due to the illness of Mr. Zogob's architect, however, the February 28 workshop was postponed until this date following the regular Agency meeting. Community Development Director Desrochers reported that Community Development has received sketches from Alpha Beta as well as from the developer's architect, Don Innis. The Town Planner, Dan Pass, has briefly reviewed these sketches that were available for members' review. Staff will now be able to evaluate the sketches but would like Agency input prior to doing so. Special Counsel Reed commented that Alpha Beta is conducting a marketing study to determine if they want to locate in the focus area. That study is expected in two weeks. Senior Planner Pass addressed the proposed plan submitted by Alpha Beta. He de- scribed the 51,000 square foot proposal as a fairly large junior department store that had little to do with the focus area mercantile, and because of the plan's scattered pattern, he could not see how it would fit in with the Design Manual or Redevelopment Plan concept. Mr. Desrochers stated the Senior Planner has been asked to check on the merits of a 35,000 square foot store. Mr. Pass briefly commented on Mr. Innis' proposal that would include Alpha Beta. He stated the architect has attempted to ameliorate the difficulties of placement of a large structure. A bold attempt to save the plan has been made by Mr. Innis but it appears the present parking structure cannot be retained if Alpha Beta is to build any store in the area. 3/6/80 ------ -------------- -2- Redevelopment Agency Workshop Meeting March 6, 1980 Discussion ensued regarding UDAG. Member Scott questioned the rationale of senior citizen housing. Mr. Desrochers cited three reasons: 1) priority to obtain a site for senior citizens; 2) assist in obtaining funds to provide for the acquisition of a portion of that area; 3) could also assist with the obtaining of a UDAG. In addition, the sketches may provide a "fall back" position in case UDAG is not obtai ned. He emphasize~though, that staff and the developer still need to evaluate all proposed plans. Member Gillow questioned how staff could evaluate four schemes without being over- burdened. The director noted that one plan has already been evaluated. The developer must evaluate feasibility and staff will evaluate public cost and parking. Discussion followed relative to the Disposition & Development Agreement (DDA) between the Agency and Centre City Associates. Mr. Zogob noted that Option "A" of the DDA provides for a parking structure. Option "B" allows for surface parking. Member Scott reiterated his previous suggestion (as stated at the February 28 workshop) about the City guaranteeing the money up front to assist the developer. Mr. Desrochers remarked that Member Scott's suggestion is still a very viable idea but there is too much of a risk to guarantee the entire amount proposed by the developer if he cannot secure a good number of credit tenants. MOTION It was moved by Chairman Hyde, seconded by Member McCandliss and unanimously carried that: 1) An alternative financing plan (other than the UDAG) to support the parking structure be prepared. 2) Evaluate concept plan without a parking structure. 3) Continue our efforts to accommodate a credit tenant market but not at the expense of substantially distorting the plan's basic concept that was originally approved. 3/6/80 --- ------.---- -3- Redevelopment Agency Workshop Meeti ng March 6, 1980 MOTION TO NO LONGER PURSUE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT It was moved by Chairman Hyde, seconded by Member Scott and unanimously carried to direct staff to no longer pursue residential (senior citizen housing) develop- ment in the focus area. Chairman Hyde remarked that Alpha Beta's pla~while not acceptable, does not pre- clude implementation of further plans with a market. OPTIONS TO CONSIDER FOR THE "OLD" CENTER Community Development Director Desrochers pointed out the Agency has no control over the center at this point in time. Only if remodeling is accomplished does the Agency have jurisdiction. Special Counsel Reed told members the Agency does not have funds to acquire the center (approximately $2 million required). OWNER PARTICIPATION The developer reported that he has met with Messrs. Bernes and Isham, and Ms. Fletcher of the Chula Vista Beauty College. It is felt that Bud's Athletic Supply is a desirable use in the area, but a beauty college is not. However, a beauty and supply type operation may be appropriate. In response to Member Cox's question, Mr. Zogob indicated that the adjacent auto parts and machine shop can be relocated elsewhere and has never been considered for retenti on. The director informed the Agency that staff is preparing an offer for the prin- ciples involved outlining their options in order to make an evaluation. This offer should be ready in 30 days. At this time, Mr. Zogob requested the Agency suggest a timetable for owner partici- pation to be established. MOTION FOR FINANCING TIMETABLE It was moved by Member Scott, seconded by Member McCandliss and unanimously carried that not more than one month after the developer has arranged his finan- cing, the Agency will make a decision on the matter of owner participation. MOTION TO SCHEDULE WORKSHOP It was moved by Chairman Hyde, seconded by Member Scott and unanimously carried to continue to hold workshop sessions following regularly scheduled Redevelopment Agency meetings, and that they be held in Conference Rooms 2 and 3. 3/6/80 -4- Redevelopment Agency Workshop Meeting March 6, 1980 Mr. Desrochers commented on the June 30 deadline for Messrs. Bernes and Isham set to see if they could comply. Special Counsel Reed stated that the deadline could not be enforced. ADJOURNMENT The workshop meeting was adjourned at 9:54 p.m. ¡;Jl}J¿~ Paul G. Desrochers, Executive Secretary 3/6/80 --------- -----------------~---1--------- ----------------- -----