MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 21, 2004
TO: Amy Chan, City Manager
FROM: Robert Paternoster, Director of Community Development
SUBJECT: Summary of City Council Comments at the Study Session on Town Center Mall Redevelopment, June 19, 2004
Mayor Howe:
- Asked Standard Pacific Homes to explore ways to minimize rental of townhomes and condominiums by their owners.
- Asked Standard Pacific Homes to forward a copy of the study they cited which showed that retail sales surrounding The Grove increased after the Grove opened.
- Stated that the project must not negatively impact the 100 block of Murphy Ave. or Town & Country. The project must be designed to promote connectivity to the existing Downtown.
- Expressed expectation that staff will recommend conditions of approval regarding the appropriate utilization of the sidewalks and the Town Square.
Fred Fowler:
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Expressed concerns over the gap in retail frontage along the Murphy Ave. façade of the parking structure, and asked if carts or kiosks could be placed there. Also in the Taaffe triangle at Washington.
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Asked if usable open space could be provided on a deck over the top level of parking structures.
Melinda Hamilton:
- Expressed concern of Downtown merchants that community events (e.g. Farmers Market) will move to the new project.
- Requested City Attorney determine what the law requires regarding free speech rights in a privately owned Town Square.
Julia Miller:
- Stated that Town Square needs a specific feature to attract visitors and shoppers.
Ron Swegles:
- Suggested that the number of housing units be something less than 300, perhaps 295.
Otto Lee:
- Expressed his continuing desire to have as many parking spaces underground as possible.
Amy Chan:
- Noted the opportunity to bring visual arts to Downtown, such as murals on some of the blank walls.
- The architectural and streetscape elements of the 100 block of Murphy should be incorporated into the project, particularly in the 200 block of Murphy.
The following general estimates were provided or calculated at the meeting:
- Cost to place parking underground:
- One level of new spaces under Macy’s garage - $ 8.4 million
- Push one existing level of Macy’s garage underground - $ 3.6 million
- One level of new spaces under Deck A (2 levels below) - $23.0 million
- Push one existing level of Deck A underground - $15.0 million
- One level of new spaces under Deck B - $13.0 million
- Push one existing level of Deck B underground -$8.0 million
- Cost differential for union labor: