Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09061972-cc_CCv0001.pdf opment Agency of the City of Redlands, held in the Clock Auditorium, 840 East Citrus Avenue, on September 6, 1972 at 7 :00 P.M. NT Jack B . Cummings, Mayor-Chairman Charles G. DeMirjyn, Vice Mayor-Member Chresten M. Knudsen, Councilman-Member Ellsworth E. Miller, Councilman-Member Sam S . Sewall , Councilman-Member R. P . Merritt, Jr. , City Manager-Redevelopment Director Edward F. Taylor, City Attorney Peggy A. Moseley, City Clerk Rosemary Hite, San Bernardino Sun The meeting was opened with the pledge of allegiance. Mayor Cummings welcomed the six hundred people present in the audi- ence, introduced Mr. Robert Hill, Consultant from the State Depart- ment of Redevelopment Agencies, City Manager Merritt - Director of Redevelopment; Mr. Taylor, City Attorney; Mr. John Wagner, Deputy Director of the Redevelopment Agency; Mrs . Rosemary Hite of the San Bernardino Sun; Planning Director Schindler-, Director of Building and Safety Mitchell ; Finance Director H. L. Archbold; Park Superintendent, James MacKenzie- Mrs . Elsie Flores, Interpreter; Frances Watson and Barbara VanderViiet who handled the microphones for people who wished to speak. Director of Redevelopment Merritt presented Deputy Director of Rede- velopment JohnWagner who briefly summarized the progress of the redevelopment, outlining in detail the seven steps already taken in order for the Council and the Redevelopment Agency to arrive at the position, this evening, of designating and approving the official redevelopment plan for the City of Redlands , Mr. Wagner showed a slide which outlined the total project area and the property subject to acquisition. Mr . Merritt explained the State Redevelopment Act and described the six-block area under consideration for Project No. 1. He stressed that this is not a federal project, that the funds will come from private investors . He added that the boundaries of the Redevelopment Area were established at a time when federal grants were available under several different programs ; and recommended retaining the pre- sent boundaries in order to be able to take advantage of any federal program should funds be made available to Redlands . Mayor Cummings commented that there appeared to be increased dissat- isfaction among residents on the nortbside at being included in this project and stated that he hoped this meeting would answer questions and clarify misunderstandings . Mr . Merritt stressed that the wishes of the citizens and homeowners are of paramount interest and that any neighborhood development will be made at the option of the { people in attendance, and that it was the unanimous request of t 231 people that the residential area of the northside, the area of Colton Avenue, be deleted from the plan. Mr . Martinez added I the group he represented had no opposition to the development pl the downtown but preferred to have their property omitted from t overall plan. ii Mayor Cummings explained in detail the advantage of using tax in monies from the redevelopment area to match funds from the Feder Government which require 25/ of the funds to be furnished by the c "hese may be available for home improvement with low interest to streets , water system, sewers , and utilities for the northside. Speaking were Mr. Maynard Allen of 60 San Gorgonio give, who sp neither for nor against; Mr. John Dunkerken of 1 +35 West Colton r who inquired about the shopping�ng center in West Redlands ; and Mr . Carmody of 107 bombard who pointed out that it: would be easier t taro monies from HUD if the northside were made part of the tota ect area, Mrs . Mary R. Garvin of 57 San Gorgonio Drive, wished to know if street on which she is located was to remain open. Mr , Isabel L it 520 Second Street, asked clarification of the two different lett notice of this hearing that had been sent to owners of assessabl This was explained that properties located in the green area on map may be subject to condemnation. Owners of such properties s i have received a letter referring to acquisition by eminent domai Councilman Sewall explained the reasons why the Council is actin Redevelopment Agency at this time and described the length of ti is spent in study and consultation with other councils and authorit this matter. Er Mr. Clyde Clark, Jr. , of 1131 Ohio Street, asked who would admin funds if the northside area remained in the project - was told t i% the Redevelopment Agency in the City would apple for and control Mr . W. F. Malone, 1430 Ridge Street, Director of the Downtown Re Division of the Chamber of Commerce, commended the Council on th farsightedness and requested that they proceed without delay to development project a fact. Mrs . Glenn McCarthy discussed scree and sidewalks . Mr . DeMi.rjyn left at this time. i ` Mrs . Alberta W. Lewis , 214 High Avenue, asked questions concerni I effect of redevelopment in the area of the San Bernardino Freewa Mr. Philemon Diaz, 1543 Lassen, urged that the northside be dole from the project area. right. for a court judgment in the matter. fl Councilman Sewall pointed out that the city already has the right of eminent domain to acquire property necessary for the health and well fare of the citizens, such as a fire station, and the Agency has sit-a- alar powers of eminent domain. Councilman Knudsen described the example of the Auto Club of Southern California which, unable to obtain property within the downtown area, i moved to the Sages area. That move actually drew sales tax dollars i, away from the downtown Redlands area by causing out of town auto club customers to shop elsewhere, he said. 7? ii The Chairman of the City Rousing Commission, Miss Gertrude Hagum of I' 1317 College Avenue, described areas she and the other commissioners i had visited which had received federal loan grants providing 75% of the necessary funds for street trees, lighting, and other improvements i? She expressed the hope that these advantages would be available for 1 the northside within the redevelopment framework. i Mrs . Oscar Thurman, 815 Carlotta Court, spoke. Mrs. Anita Dimery ,i asked questions and expressed dissatisfaction with the northside area being included in the project. She stated that she believed the northside area was being used to benefit the core area taxwise and added that she also believed the city or someone is making a profit Mayor Cummings stated that, including the northside area would give the opportunity to apply for federal grants for neighborhood programs when available. Councilman Knudsen explained that the development is being pushed in order to capture sales tax dollars which are leaving Redlands, Mr. Knudsen pointed out that the average California city earns 3 per capita in sales tax.. By comparison, he cited Redlands with $17 and fl j Beverly Hills with $80. l Councilman Sewall explained the process of bonding in order to obtain I4 the city' s portion of monies and raised the possibility of repaying obligations from increased revenues from a project. Mr . fill. ex- plained that the increased property tax value funds could be used to develop further core area. projects . Reverend W. W. Betton spoke briefly about the needs of the northside area. Councilman Sewall. stated that he intends to vote in favor of keeping the northside in the project because he feels that it is his moral obligation as he believes that this is truly the best thing for the area. . Crus Bises , 1100 East Citrus Avenue, stated that he has been wait Ii development area would be established. Mr, Jay Watkins, President of the Chamber of Commerce, stated the Chamber of Commerce supports the project as it .is here presented urges that the Council proceed with the core redevelopment and nc delayed by controversial matters . i Mr. David Thomas of 6002 Bridgetown, Huntington Peach, stated the the past nine years , his firm, Smart & final, has been relocated result of redevelopment, in nine different cities . He emphasize( i in no instance was the company hurt in any way; that the location l;w generally better after relocation and represented better investmf He washed Council all success in their project. Mr. Don Poe, representing the Elks Club, briefly addressed Counc. i Mr. Fred Thacker of 821 Church Street and Mr . Jack Noack of 1123 Street also spoke on the matter. Mr. Ishmael Soto of 1003 Calhoun repeated that the 2.31 homeowne.rw I not want to be included in the project and asked why the Council not delete them from the present plan. The Council pleaded with Soto to understand their reasons for urging inclusion of this rew k tial area of the northside in this project; but Mr. Soto was alar i' Mr. Jose Danny Martinez reiterated his statement that the resider not wish to be included in this plan at this time. He also made for future aid for the northside. is Mayor Cummings stated that he intended to vite to remove the pori i from the Redevelopment Map even though he had made tremendous ef- to put this project together because he firmly believed it would fit the northside, and he stressed that under this proposal if f( funds again become available, there may not be city monies to mat them, at least not conies from the Core .Development Project. is Mr. dose Danny Martinez said: " Let us take our loss, we definit( want out. The boundary should be changed to Colton Avenue from < Street.. to New Fork Street, up New York Street to Lugonia Avenue, rI i Lugonia Avenue to the original boundary. " Mr. Bill. Crook of 405 West Olive Avenue, stated that, he lived in old home and would Like to have federal assitance in rehabilitat and wondered why his area was not included in redevelopment. j Mr. Carl. Doss pointed out to all in attendance that redevelopment been studied for years and that though saddening, it is understar that people do not comprehend the concept. i Councilman Sewall pleaded with the Council members to examine in i hearts what decision is best for the City of Redlands , and then l zc moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1500, which included the area norti original boundary, and continue the hearing to consider this matter at 7 : 00 P.M. on September 19, 1972, at this same location, Clock Auditorium. Motion seconded by Councilman Miller and carried by the following vote: AYES: Councilmen Knudsen, Miller, Sewall, Mayor Cummings NOES : :None ABSENT: Councilman DeMirjyn Councilman Sewall stated that he voted AYE for the reason that he wished to see the project go forward without delay. No further business demanding attention, on motion, the Corneal ad-