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HomeMy WebLinkAboutrda min 2006/08/10 CVRC MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CVRC) MEETING JOINTL Y WITH THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA August 10, 2006 6:00 P.M. A Regular Meeting of the Chula Vista Redevelopment Corporation of the City of Chula Vista meeting jointly with the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Chula Vista, was called to order at 6:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California. CVRC ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT: Directors: Castaneda, Chavez, Desrochers, Paul, Rindone, and Rooney Directors: Lewis (excused), McCann (excused) and Chairman Padilla REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ROLL CALL PRESENT: Agency Members: Castaneda, Chavez, and Rindone ABSENT: Agency Members: McCann (excused) and Chairman Padilla ALSO PRESENT: Interim Executive Director Thomson, Deputy City Attorney III Shirey, Acting Community Development Director Hix, Redevelopment Manager Crockett PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, MOMENT OF SILENCE CONSENT CALENDAR (Items I and 2) I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - July 13, 2006 Staff Recommendation: That the CVRC approve the minutes of July 13, 2006. 2. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Memorandum from Chairman Padilla requesting an excused absence from the CVRC meeting of August 10, 2006. Staff Recommendation: That the CVRC excuse the absence. ACTION: Director Desrochers offered Consent Calendar Items I and 2. Director Castaneda, seconded the motion, and it carried 6-0-3, with Directors Lewis, McCann and Chairman Padilla absent. PUBLIC COMMENTS Kevin O'Neill stated he had been working with Community Development on three projects and that he had held off on submitting the projects while awaiting approval of the General Plan and the Urban Core Specific Plan. The FAR (floor area ratio) on the Corridor Subdistricts of the Specific Plan is the primary issue. He inquired how it would be determined who reviews projects if a project is in the Urban Core Specific Plan area, but not in a Redevelopment area. For example, if a pipeline project is submitted now for DRC review with fees, and the Urban Core Specific Plan is adopted before a building permit is issued, would the prior zoning requirements apply? Acting Chairman Rindone noted that the role of the Redevelopment Advisory Committee (RAC) is to provide a review and recommendation to the CVRC; however, the CVRC makes the final decision. He further noted, the RAC would be formed at its first meeting scheduled for September 7. Acting Chairman Rindone requested Community Development staff continue to work with Mr. O'Neill regarding the FAR issue, and if a referral is needed, requested that the City Attorney's office adjudicate regarding the processing guidelines. ACTION ITEMS 3. CONSIDERATION OF EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATING AGREEMENT AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR AN AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE MERGED REDEVELOPMENT AREA - (continued from the meeting of July 13, 2006) Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation is interested in developing an affordable, family rental project on the former Tower Lodge Motel site located at 1151 Broadway. Currently vacant, the former Tower Lodge Motel represents an opportunity to remove an existing blighted property and the provision of new housing opportunities for predominately very low-income households. In order to determine the feasibility of this project, staff is proposing financial assistance in the form of a predevelopment loan. The Agency is requested to consider a Predevelopment Loan Agreement for $200,000. Acting Community Development Director Hix introduced Housing Manager Mandy Mills. Ms. Mills provided an overview of the staff report, including a description of the proposed site, developer qualification process, the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA), which includes a rezone allowing an all-residential project in a mixed-use area, and the predevelopment loan agreement. Ms. Mills concluded that some of the goals the project would meet are removing a current blighting influence, assisting to satisfy the Agency's low/mod funding requirements, and providing very low income units to satisfy the Agency's inclusionary requirement. Ken Sauder, President and CEO of Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation, stated Wakeland is looking forward to working with the City. He described their organization as having over 5,000 units in their portfolio, working statewide with a number of for-profit developers, and having done a number of projects on their own. He then provided examples of some their current projects. Mr. Sauder also noted that their Board of Directors is actively involved in affordable housing and banking, and they understand non-profit management. Furthermore, Wakeland looks forward to meeting with the community, through workshops, to obtain their input regarding this project. Page 2 - CVRC/RDAlCC Minutes http://www .chulavistaca.gov August 10,2006 ACTION ITEMS (continued) Acting Chairman Rindone pointed out that if approved, the City would receive a double benefit, as not only does the proposed project address the City's affordable housing challenge, it will also help eliminate a blighting condition among budget motels. Staff Recommendation: The CVRC adopt the following resolutions (3.a.) and (3. b.) ACTION: Director Desrochers offered Resolution Nos. 2006-033 and 2006-034, headings read, texts waived. a. CVRC RESOLUTION NO. 2006-033, RESOLUTION OF THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION APPROVING AN EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND WAKELAND HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REGARDING THE POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF A REAL ESTATE PROJECT LOCATED AT 1501 BROADWAY IN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA b. CVRC RESOLUTION NO. 2006-034, RESOLUTION OF THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION RECOMMENDING [A] APPROVAL OF A PREDEVELOPMENT LOAN AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND WAKELAND HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT TO BE LOCATED AT 1501 BROADWAY IN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AND AUTHORIZING THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT; AND [B] APPROPRIATION OF $200,000 FROM THE UNAPPROPRIATED BALANCE IN THE LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING FUND FOR SAID PREDEVELOPMENT LOAN TO WAKELAND HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Director Castaneda supported the project and noted that, in addition to the double benefit Acting Chairman Rindone mentioned, it is also a benefit to the Southwest area. The motion carried 6-0-3, with Directors Lewis, McCann and Chairman Padilla absent. Due to the absence of Agency member McCann and Chairman Padilla, Acting Chairman Rindone continued Redevelopment Agency Item 3c to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting of August 22, 2006. The Redevelopment Agency adopt resolution (3.c.): Page 3 - CVRCIRDA Minutes http://www.chulavistaca.gov August 10, 2006 ACTION ITEMS (continued) c. RESOLUTION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING [A] A PREDEVELOPMENT LOAN AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND WAKELAND HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF AN AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT TO BE LOCATED AT 1501 BROADWAY IN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AND AUTHORIZING THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT; AND [B] APPROPRIATION OF $200,000 FROM THE UNAPPROPRIATED BALANCE IN THE LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING FUND FOR THE PREDEVELOPMENT LOAN TO WAKELAND HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 4. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS TO EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATING AGREEMENTS (ENA) WITH CITYMARK DEVELOPMENT LLC FOR SITES WITHIN THE MERGED AND TOWN CENTRE I REDEVELOPMENT AREAS First Amendments to existing Exclusive Negotiating Agreements (ENA) with CityMark Development LLC to extend negotiating periods and align the ENA time line with the pending consideration of the proposed Urban Core Specific Plan (UCSP). Director Rooney recused himself from this item because of potential conflicts with the developer and left the Council Chambers at 6:42 p.m. Redevelopment Manager Crockett commended CityMark Development LLC for their exemplary show of partnership with the City, and then introduced Principal Community Development Specialist Ken Lee. Mr. Lee provided an overview of the staff report, including a description of the proposed development sites, and the ENA amendments to extend the current ENAs for an additional 210 days and to update the ENA schedule of pre development milestones and activities to be more in alignment with the pending consideration of the proposed UCSP. Alex Beaton, with CityMark Development LLC, a San Diego-based company since 2000, provided an overview of their development company and described some of their completed and current urban residential housing projects. Mr. Beaton added that CityMark's belief is that their key to success is teamwork with municipalities, attention to design, and community input. Acting Chairman Rindone complimented the visual impact of CityMark's proposed architecture for their Pier project in Little Italy in downtown San Diego. Director Desrochers inquired as to CityMark's projection for the market in Chula Vista and what type of buyer would be attracted to this type of housing in Chula Vista. Mr. Beaton responded that they see two types of buyers: (I) younger people who were born and raised in Chula Vista and want to continue to live here, but are not necessarily ready for a suburban detached home; and (2) people who are considered "empty nesters," who want to experience the urban lifestyle, to be able to walk to restaurants and walk down Third A venue and experience a more pedestrian lifestyle. Page 4 - CVRC/RDAlCC Minutes http://www.chulavistaca.gov August 10, 2006 ACTION ITEMS (continued) Director Desrochers inquired if the market financing and other elements wou:ld be on target within an approximate two-year timeframe. Mr. Beaton affirmed that they are optimistic that these will be successful buildings within their timeframe. Staff Recommendation: That the CVRC adopt the following resolutions: ACTION: Director Chavez offered Resolution Nos. 2006-035 and 2006-036, headings read, texts waived. a. CVRC RESOLUTION NO. 2006-035, RESOLUTION OF THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATING AGREEMENT WITH CITYMARK DEVELOPMENT LLC FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE LANDIS A VENUE SOUTHEAST SITE CVRC RESOLUTION NO. 2006-036, RESOLUTION OF THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATING AGREEMENT WITH CITYMARK DEVELOPMENT LLC FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE THIRD AVENUE AND E STREET NORTHEAST SITE b. The motion carried 5-0-1-3, with Director Rooney abstaining, and Directors Lewis, McCann and Chairman Padilla absent. Director Rooney returned to the Council Chambers at 6:55 p.m. The following item was taken out of order. 6. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORTS Interim Executive Director Thomson recommended that the August 24, 2006, CVRC meeting be cancelled. Mr. Thomson noted that on Saturday, August 26, there would be a closed session meeting of the Redevelopment Agency and CVRC for interviews for the Redevelopment Agency Executive Director/CVRC CEO. Acting Chairman Rindone requested that a schedule be prepared to allocate time at the beginning of the closed session meeting to allow the Directors time to discuss the proposed interview questions, and recommended that each interview be scheduled for an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. He also suggested, if Directors would like to submit interview questions, they submit them to Interim Executive Director Thomson's office to be considered for inclusion with the proposed interview questions. ACTION: Director Castaneda offered a motion to cancel the August 24; 2006, CVRC meeting, and to add a Saturday, August 26, closed session meeting at 9:00 a.m. for the RDA Executive Director/CVRC CEO interviews. Director Rooney seconded the motion, and it carried 6-0-3, with Directors Lewis, McCann and Chairman Padilla absent. Page 5 - CVRC/RDA Minutes http://www.chulavistaca.gov August 10,2006 5. BAYFRONTUPDATE Assistant City Manager Laurie Madigan provided an update on the Bayfront Master Plan. Ms. Madigan described the history, public participation process, master plan development process, and the four-party Letter of Intent between the San Diego Unified Port District, City of Chula Vista, Chula Vista Redevelopment Agency and Gaylord Entertainment Company. Ms. Madigan summed up the presentation with a financial synopsis and acknowledgement of the Chula Vista Bayfront Team. Director Castaneda left the dais at 7 :26 p.m. ,";" In response to questions from Directors Desrochers, Paul and Rooney, Ms. Madigan elaborated further on the relationship with the Coastal Commission, Fish and Wildlife Service and other environmental groups. Ms. Madigan also addressed specific questions regarding the EIR, the land swap negotiations between Pacifica Co. and the Port of San Diego; Gaylord's Letter of Intent, and their commitment to working with the Citizens Advisory Committee through the design process. Additionally, Ms. Madigan spoke of the master plan, highlighting various sites that are proposed to be designated for office, residential, restaurant,' hotel, boathouse facility, parks, cultural, and retail with considerations being given to several pedestrian walkways throughout the master plan area, and plans for vehicular public transit to connect the urban core and the bayfront. Director Paul thanked and complimented Ms. Madigan and the entire team. Interim Executive Director Thomson commented that this project has been and continues to be one of the most complicated projects he has ever been involved in or witnessed, and that it will continue to be for the next year. Mr. Thomson described the unique relationship the City has developed with the Port over the past several years. Further, he complimented Port staff who has worked closely with the City/Redevelopment Agency on this project and, in particular, he complimented Ms. Madigan. Acting Chairman Rindone agreed both compliments are well earned, noting Ms. Madigan's enthusiasm, and acknowledged an excellent presentation. Mr. Rindone further commented that along with all the other things Chula Vista is doing, there is no question that the Bayfront is the No. 1 option that will provide the financial means to ensure that the City continues to have an excellent quality oflife for all of its citizens. Staff Recommendation: No action is needed at this time. 7. CHAIRMAN'S REPORTS There were none. 8. DIRECTORS' COMMENTS There were none. Page 6 - CVRC/RDAlCC Minutes http://www.chulavistaca.gov August 10, 2006 ADJOURNMENT At 7:53 p.m., Acting Chairman Rindone, adjourned the Chula Vista Redevelopment Corporation to an adjourned meeting on August 26, 2006, at 9:00 a.m., and the Redevelopment Agency to August 22, 2006, and then to an adjourned meeting on August 26, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. ~~ /t( ~J Dana M. Smith, Secretary Page 7 - CVRC/RDA Minutes http://www.chulavistaca.gov August 10, 2006