Revitalization Commission Agenda and Packet 2019 11 18

Home Browse Search

Revitalization Commission Minutes October 14, 2019 Page 4 of 5 Planning and Building Safety Director Rob Zuccaro said the staff memo supports community benefits. Commissioner Baskett wants to make a strong pitch for the project. This is a watershed moment as to what happens downtown. She said we want retail for vibrancy but we also need people to shop so this does bring people downtown. She urged this committee to make a recommendation in favor of the 90%. Mark Oberholzer said if developer assumes 90%, given risk, the City should move forward. Chair Fisher said he originally supported 90%. BCN is a good company. Mayor Pro Tem Lipton said it is clear that in order to get the 90% they have to generate sales tax. He is in favor of the project but feels there needs to be a stronger commitment on retail space. If we give this full amount, others will come forward and ask for the same benefit and space will be used for office space. Rich Bradfield said this is an office building and the project should stand on its own. The 3 story project was not denied by council; they were asked to make some design changes and revised the project. City Manager Balser said we have old spaces. We have a developer who is willing to provide redevelopment to attain retail space. From a staff perspective, this is what TIF is intended for. In order to meet our goals and desires for downtown, this project meets those objectives. Mayor Pro Tem Lipton made a motion to approve the project with the retail requirement. There was no second on that motion. Commissioner Baskett made a motion to support the application at 90% TIF, 10 years with no retail requirement. Chair Fisher seconded that motion. A vote was taken. In favor: Commissioner Baskett Commissioner Gorsevski Commissioner Adler Chair Fisher Opposed: Commissioner Bradfield