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HomeMy WebLinkAboutrda min 1981/05/14 6:30 PM MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA Thursday, May 14, 1981 - 6:30 p.m. Council Conference Room - City Hall ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT Chairman Hyde; Members Cox, McCandliss, Scott, Gillow Members Absent None STAFF PRESENT Executive Director Cole, Community Development Director Desrochers, Special Counsel Reed, Redevelop- ment Coordinator Zegler,Development Services Adminis- trator Robens, Development Specialist Kassman, Admin- istrative Analyst Buchan, Traffic Engineer Hansen ALSO PRESENT Richard Zogob ITEM NO.1 - REPORT: TOWN CENTRE I FOCUS AREA COMMERCIAL COMPONENT In June 1980, the Agency approved plans for a six-plex movie theatre and 800-space parking structure. However, it would be premature for the developer to invite retailers into the Focus Area without a land use plan showing square footage and location of retail shops. Executive Director Cole stated that this item was continued from the regular t1ay 7th Redevelopment Agency meeting for further information from staff. Community Development Director Desrochers explained exhibits provided in the agenda packet and briefly summarized the history of the subject matter. In February, the parking structure was approved without involving federal regulations. He noted that direction should be given to the developer so that he may proceed with a schedule of performance. Mr. Desrochers continued that the environmental aspect of the project should not be discussed tonight since members will be given the opportunity to review the EIR at a later date. At this time, Redevelopment Coordinator Zegler used a flip chart to display an outline of the land use plan and parking structure. The Coordinator reported that consultants have advised that a major credit tenant must be found for this project. According to a survey taken by the Community Devel- opment Department by mail and telephone to major retailers throughout California, the consensus was that Chula Vista has a good project but needed a major attraction to draw potential customers. Mr. Zegler stated that the parking structure is necessary to support the major tenant and ancillary businesses. Discussion ensued on the various types of other uses in lieu of a theatre and the height of the parking structure. Mr. Zegler indicated that according to the devel- oper's architects, the three-level structure is preferred for the area because of the footprint. 5114/81 - Adjourned Regular Meeting Redevelopment Agency -2- May 14, 1981 With regard to the six-plex theatre, Mr. Desrochers stated that United Artists con- siders this size to be the most efficient. In response to Chairman Hyde's question, the Coordinator explained that the theatre would be a good leader for downtown for two reasons: 1) it would create customer exposure to Third Avenue retail shops; 2) since theatre's peak hours are at night, shops would be inclined to remain open for longer hours. Further discussion followed about the theatre as a sales tax generator. Member Scott questioned the reasoning for phased development of the theatre and one restaurant. Mr. Zegler commented that phasing is proposed due to bond financing re- quirements for the parking structure. Member Gillow arrived at this time (7:04 p.m.). The developer, Richard Zogob, addressed the Agency at this time. He concurred with staff's comments about the major tenant. He stated that the theatre is bankable and financing with this type of user would be attainable. Chairman Hyde commented on three items: 1) Is it preferable to have office facilities vs. retail? Is more office space necessary? 2) Is office space preferable considering the fact that F Street consists essentially of retail? 3) Would it be possible to utilize the land as either retail or office? Member Scott asked why phasing couldn't include construction of the theatre and two restaurants. Redevelopment Coordinator Zegler answered that Marie Callender's has expressed much interest, although Chula Vista is not on their current construction schedule. Jolly Roger's cannot make any commitment until the City approves a land use plan. United Artists will commence immediate negotiations with the City upon approval of plans. MOTION TO APPROVE EXHIBIT C AS THE MASTER PLAN MSC (Hyde/Scott) to approve Exhibit "C" (of the agenda packet--theatre and two restaurants) as the Master Plan for the Focus Area. (Members Gillow and McCandliss dissented.) Member Scott cited the various beneficial aspects of a major theatre in the Focus Area (i.e. attraction, sales tax generator). 5/14/81 Adjourned Regular Meeting Redevelopment Agency -3- May 14, 1981 Member McCandl i ss commented that she supported the pl an but has strong reservati ons about the theatre, particularly as to size. Chairman Hyde stated his basic concerns about the theatre have been mitigated because it will provide a major attraction downtown where it is needed. Member Cox echoed the Chairman's feelings that the theatre would create an identity. He cited the need for parking that a public parking structure would resolve as store- fronts are developed. MOTION TO ACCEPT STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS MSUC (Hyde/Cox) to approve staff's recommendation for phasing that would allow the theatre and two restuarants to be constructed first, with the condition that if the developer cannot provide this, the project would be brought back for further recom- mendation. MOTION TO ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION MSUC (Hyde/Scott) to adjourn to Closed Session for litigation purposes. Community Development Director Desrochers informed the Agency that the Coastal Com- mission will meet on Friday, May 15, for discussion only on Chula Vista's concept plan for Bay Boulevard. ADJOURNMENT at 7:40 p.m. to Closed Session, the special meeting of May 21 and the regular meeting of June 4,1981. ~ aul G. Desrochers, Executive Secretary 5114/81