HomeMy WebLinkAboutrda min 1982/05/20
MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA
Thursday, May 20, 1982 Council Conference Room
4:00 p.m. City Hall
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT Chairman Cox (arrived 4:03 p.m.); Members Gillow,
Moore, McCandliss (arrived 4:25 p.m.), Scott
MEMBERS ABSENT None
STAFF PRESENT Executive Di rector Cole, Development Services
Administrator Robens, Redevelopment Coordinator
legler, Special Counsel Reed, Admini strative
Analyst Buchan
ALSO PRESENT Bob Bri stow, Harry Hallenbeck, Steve Hyde, Jeff
Wissler, Auguste Rodrigues, Ted Gurneè, Michael
Cowett
ITEM NO.1 - REPORT: BRITANNIA BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL CENTER
Staff has met with Mr. Harry Hallenbeck, Hall Properti es Incorporated,
architect for the developers for the 17-acre site located adj acent to
Bay Boul evard and "J" Street. Hall Properties has entered into negotiations
for the purchase of the site with the owner, Santa Fe Land Properties. The
concept proposed by Hall Properties is for an office/commercial park including
a restaurant, commercial buildings, and office buildings.
Chairman Cox arrived at this time (4:03 p.m.).
Mr. Harry Hallenbeck, representing Hall Properties Incorporated, narrated a
sl ide presentati on whi ch depi cted the developer's completed projects, the
managing firm (Bob Bri stow, Incorporated), and the architect (Hall enbeck
Chamorro). The slides depicting the proposed development on the "J" Street
site were categori zed as site #l-northerly site consi sting of 4-1/3 acres of
office complex, 68,000 square feet; site #2-consisting of 1.8 acres, 20,000
square feet, two-story commercial shops; site #3-1.4 acres, restaurant si te
which will feature an i denti ty for the gateway; site #4-10.5 acres, 131,000
square feet, one-story office building. Mr. Hall enbeck emphasi zed that these
were conceptual drawi ngs and a flexible marketing research program will be
forthcoming in the future if the conceptual pl an is approved by the Agency
thi s afternoon.
Mr. Bob Bri stow, representing Hall Properties, Incorporated, di scussed hi s
firm's background, the firm is the second largest in Britain which possesses a
very sound financial base with a great deal of real estate experience in South
America, the Netherlands, etc., as well as a $65,000,000 program on the West
Adjourned Regular
Redevelopment Agency Meeting - 2 - May 20, 1982
Coast. Mr. Bristow reiterated that his firm has negotiated with Santa Fe for
the purchase of the property. They realize that thi s is the potenti a 1 site
for the SANDER project, however, if thi s proj ect is approved by the Agency
they can begin construction next year.
Chairman Cox commented on the beauty of the plan and asked the developer if he
was aware of the probl ems concerni ng the SANDER project. Specifically, he
asked if there is a possibility that the proposed Britannia project would be
an "all or nothing" type of proposal. In response, Mr. Bristow answered that
his firm would only be interested in developing this site in full, not in part.
The potential developers briefly commented on the SANDER project noting that
it did not seem appropriate for the Bayfront site.
Member Scott also expressed hi s interest in the plan proposed by Hall
Properti es. In response to Member Scott's questi ons, the developer remarked
that the Agency has a good opportuni ty to benefit from hi s project. He
surmi sed that a constructi on timeframe woul d probably be 2-3 yea rs, but he
could not predict a time sequence at this early stage. Mr. Hallenbeck
interjected that they would like to develop a first quality facility on ten
acres of the site. Mr. Bri stow added that the approval of thi s plan in
concept is at the Agency's discretion; however, they could not say how much
time the Agency would have to render a decision for approval as they coul d
locate another site in two days or two months.
In answer to Member Gillow's question, Development Services Administrator
Robens stated that the SANDER project will come before staff in early June in
order to receive a tentative commitment (RFP issuance, etc.); therefore, it
coul d come before the City Council duri ng the second or thi rd meeti ng in
June. By that time, staff hopes to have some kind of a time line of the
project in order to phase.
Di scussi on foll owed regardi ng the bri ef si ti ng and architectural factors, and
staff's efforts to come back wi th a recommendati on on the Bri tannia project.
Development Services Administrator Robens, commenting on the latter, replied
that staff will give guidance to the Agency; however, this depends on how much
information is received on the SANDER issue.
Member Scott expressed concern wi th the present SANDER si te at "J" Street.
Development Services Administrator Robens noted that alternate sites have been
explored by staff, but the "J" Street location is the highest priority for
site selection by SANDER.
Member Scott elaborated on hi s di sl He for the SANDER project due to its
height and massiveness.
Member Moore remarked that there are minimal Bayfront sites left to develop.
He asked for the revenue return to the City if this type of development
(Britannia project) were developed. In response, Mr. Hallenbeck stated that
it would involve a $20,000,000 project on all four parcel s. His staff has
also studied the potential for job employment.
5/20/82
Adjourned Regular
Redevelopment Agency Meeting - 3 - May 20, 1982
In answer to Members I que sti ons, Mr. Hallenbeck replied that constructi on
could begin in February, and the quality restaurant proposed for the site
would probably be associated with the Telegraph Canyon Creek Development.
MOTION TO REFER TO STAFF
MSUC (Scott/Cox) to refer this item to staff and come back to the Agency with
a report addressing the revenue to the City, economic benefits, and aesthetic
benefits of the Britannia development concept as opposed to the SANDER
development concept.
ITEM NO.2 - REPORT: UPDATE - DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS FOR JOENEAL STREET PROPERTY
At the last regular Redevelopment Agency meeting, members were presented with
the development proposal by the Sammis Group on the Joeneal Street property at
the northeast corner of "E" Street and Bay Boulevard. The Agency approved the
development in concept at that time and asked the developer to bring back a
plan showing the relationship of the development to the rest of the Bayfront
area.
Mr. Jeff Wissler, representing the Sammis Group, was present this afternoon to
answer some of the questions posed by the Agency at their last regular
meeting. In discussing traffic generation figures with staff, the Sammi s
Group was able to propose an entry off of "E" Street into the Bay Boulevard
area. A secondary entry off of "E" Street woul d encroach upon the SDG&E
easement area, and could tie into the tidelands area. In reference to the
railroad tracks located in the area, the firm is scheduled to meet with the
rail road next week. (The property is jointly owned by San Diego Arizona &
Eastern Railroad and MTDB.) Mr. Wi ssl er further el aborated on the use of the
tracks, and problems with the specific designation for office space in this
area.
Member McCandl i ss questi oned the impact the proposed 8-screen theatre woul d
have on the approved theatre located in the Town Centre Focus Area.
Mr. Wissler commented that according to America Multi Cinema, they feel there
is a market for another theatre in the area. This theatre is an integral part
of the project in order to obtain a commitment. He suggested that in order to
obtain neutral advi ce that a member of the Ameri ca Multi Cinema Firm be
invited to speak with the Agency on this matter.
Redevelopment Coordinator legler suggested that the Agency consider hiring the
firm of Laventhol and Horwath or a similar consulting firm in order to obtain
a professional consulting decision to study this impact.
Further di scussi on i nvol ved the "super ei ght" connotation for the theatre.
Mr. Wissler noted that the theatre group is in the process of upgrading their
position and could incorporate the Chula Vista name in this change. He
mentioned that Ramada Inn and Holiday Inn have expressed interest as far as
comi ng in as the hotel/motel party. Mr. Wissler indicated that he could
prepare a package which would include all principals of the project for the
Agency members to review.
5/20/82
Adjourned Regular
Redevelopment Agency Meeting - 4 - May 20, 1982
Executive Director Cole expressed concern that this much development hinges on
util i zing the SDG&E ri ght-of-way for parki ng, and access past rail road tracks
plus pedestrian use. It appears that many crossi ng si gnal s woul d be at each
location. Mr. Wissler responded that the rail road crossi ng were probably
overemphasized in the drawings, but they would explore this concern. He noted
that the problem in the immediate area is with parking on the side of Bay
Boulevard. They are presently tryi ng to create the hi ghest and best use wi th
what there is to work with.
A colored renderi ng of a two-story hotel/motel building was displayed for
members' review.
Member McCandliss expressed further concern with the theatre as it affects the
Town Centre Theatre. She questioned staff's recommendation in contacting an
outside consulting firm. Special Counsel Rei d remarked that Laventhol and
Horwath could be contacted for an analysis.
MOTION TO GATHER INFORMATION FOR MARKETING STUDY
MSUC (McCandliss/Moore) to di rect staff to proceed wi th the gathering of
information in order to do a marketing study on two cinemas (in the Town
Centre I and Bayfront projects), and bring this information back to the Agency
at their next meeting.
Redevelopment Coordinator Zegler added that this report shoul d include the
scope of the project and costs involved.
ITEM NO.3 - RESOLUTION NO. 371 - RESCINDING TC/OP30 AND ENTERING INTO
TC/OP39 WITH AUGUSTE RODRIGUES
An owner participation agreement for the remodeling of the commercial building
located at 321-323 Thi rd Avenue was entered into by the Agency on May 1,
1980. Because of unfortunate economic ci rcumstances, the owner,
Mrs. Rodrigues, has been unable to perform in accordance with the agreement.
Therefore request for modification of the original plan was submitted.
The revised plans for the project were submitted and approved by the Design
Review Board earlier this month.
Admi ni strative Analyst Buchan commented that the fire damage to the shoe
repair shop located near the proposed Munchner Kind'l earlier this month would
not affect renovation plans in this project.
Redevelopment Coordinator Zegl er, in response to Chairman Cox's questions,
noted that the Planning Department is working on the one-way street problem on
thi scorner.
RESOLUTION OFFERED by Member Gillow, the readi ng of the text was wai ved by
unanimous consent, passed and adopted unanimously.
5/20/82
Adjourned Regular
Redevelopment Agency Meeting - 5 - May 20,1982
ITEM NO.4 - REPORT: STATUS OF WHITEMAN PROPERTY
The Agency has asked to adjourn to Closed Session at this time due to pending
litigation regarding the Whiteman property.
Chairman Cox invited Mr. Gurneè to speak on this item at this time.
Mr. Michael Cowett, representing Mr. Ted Gurneè and San Diego Shipbuilding and
Repair, discussed his client's concerns regarding this issue. Mr. Gurneè's
request is that the Agency (through staff) enter into negotiations with
San Diego Shipbuilding and Repair in order to negotiate a short-term lease for
the use of the Whi teman property. Mr. Cowett commented on a letter that was
issued to the Agency which was questioned by Agency members. He felt that a
short negotiating period was advisable in order to identify any problems in
order to negotiate a lease. The main problem centers around termination of
this type of an operation on the day that it should be terminated. And,
negotiations would identify if any changes have taken place since Mr. Gurneè
took over as the potential 1 essee and the time he agreed to si gn wi th the
Agency. Mr. Gurneè briefly commented on technicalities involving the Navy
contracti ng system - MSRs. He explained that:
1. the Navy will not enter into a long-term contract knowing that all they
have is a short-term lease; and
2. the Navy wi 11 not enter into along-term contract without major capital
improvements to the property in question.
Further discussion involved the lack of potential sites for this type of
shipbuilding operati on in San Diego. In response to Member McCandliss'
question, Mr. Gurneè explained that no other waterfront land is available in
San Diego other than the Whiteman property. His present facility invol ves
ship repair as a subcontractor.
Member Moore apprised Agency Members of three phases involving shipbuilding.
Mr. Gurneè agreed that a more appropriate term woul d be "boat bui 1 di ng."
ADJOURNMENT at 5:31 p.m. to Closed Sessi on and to the regular meeting of
June 3,1982 at 7:00 p.m.
The Recording Secretary was excused and acting Community Development Director
Zegler reported on the following two actions.
MOTION TO DIRECT STAFF TO NEGOTIATE WITH LESSEE
MSUC (Cox/Scott) to direct staff to negotiate with Mr. Ted Gurneè and bring
back a status report at the first Redevelopment Agency meeting in June.
MOTION TO INVESTIGATE LARGER BAYFRONT SIGN
5/20/82
Adjourned Regular
Redevelopment Agency Meeting - 6 - May 20, 1982
MSUC (Scott/Cox) to direct staff to investigate the possibilities of having a
larger Bayfront sign at the "E" Street freeway off ramp.
WPC 0167H
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5/20/82