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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-07-18-78-Adjourned Regular Meeting^ 11 ,Po MINUTES OF THE 1,-�-`�' CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JULY 18, 1978 The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 7:00 p.m., July 18, 1978, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor/Chairman [William L. Greene presiding. PRESENT: Council Members/Commissioners: Theodore H. Jackman Kenneth J. Miller Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chairman Milton R. Mackaig Lyell W. Swearingen William L. Greene Mayor/Chairman ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Leland C. Dolley, Acting City Attorney Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development Thomas Tincher, Housing & Redevelopment Coordinator James Funk, Principal Planner Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer The Flag Salute was led by Councilman Mackaig, The Invocation was delivered by Councilman Jackman. Mayor Greene announced that tonight the Community Development Commission will conduct a hearing on the proposed Downey Redevelopment Plan. A meeting will be con- ducted tomorrow evening at the Apollo Park Neighborhood Center on the Gardendale Rehabilitation Program. Mr. George Johnson, resident of the Gardendale Rehabilitation Area, stated he just received his notice concerning tomorrow's meeting but was under the impression discussion would be held this evening. Mr. Tincher explained the notices were handcarried to all of the residents in the area beginning Saturday, July 15th. Mr. Johnson indicated he has submitted a petition to the City Clerk containing approximately 361 signatures of people against cul-de-sacs in the Gardendale subarea. Mayor Greene opened the joint hearing on the proposed Downey Redevelopment Plan, which was continued from the meeting of June 27, 1978. Mr. Thompson commented on concerns of residents concerning deterioration and blight in the City and the intent for preservation of these areas. Attempts have been made to establish a redevelopment agency and areas have been selected where land uses are not utilized to their fullest. He said if the Council approves the Redevelopment Plan, it would be defining the areas within which redevelopment pro- jects could occur in working with owners in developing Owner Participation Agreements. At the request of Mayor Greene, Mr. Dolley explained the procedure for eminent domain. Mr. Tincher presented for the record of the public hearing a copy of the following material and offered a brief narrative on each item: 1. The Preliminary Redevelopment Plan. 2. The Proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Downey Redevelopment Project Area. 3. Proposed Non -Substantive Modifications to Redevelopment Plan and Report to City Council. 4. The Report to City Council on proposed Redevelopment Plan. 5. The Auditor -Controller Report on Downey Redevelopment Project. 6. The Fiscal Review Committee Report on the Downey Redevelopment Project. 7. The Environmental Impact Report on the proposed Redevelopment Plan. 8. The Rules Governing Participation and Reentry Preferences for Property Owners, Businesses and Tenants. 9. The Method and Plan for Relocation of Families and Persons to be Displaced. 10. Documentation of Blight Report. 11. Blight Report Memo. 12. Blight Report Photo Album. 13. Resolution of the Commission and Council adopted Julv 11, 1978, finding Sufficient & Substantial Effort to Meet Low and Moderate Income Housing Needs. Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes 7/18/78 -1- Mr. Mike Wagner of Municipal Services, Inc., reviewed the findings presented in the Blight Report for each of the subareas. Mayor Greene asked the City Clerk to acknowledge receipt of all written communications in favor or opposed to the proposed Redevelopment Plan. Mr. Shand said he has received letters from Mr. and Mrs. James A. Dodson, Mary A. Brown, Sam Adragna, Rose Pea, Grace Hair, Thomas Adragna, Joe Adragna, Law Offices of Priscilla Dunnum on behalf of Mr. Hollis Peavey, Mr. Mel Rice, Adobe Engineers signed by Katherine and John Dimmick, Margaret Manning, Carlos and Carmen Holguin, and a petition was received from subarea C on Downey Avenue and connecting streets. The correspondence was received as part of the record of the hearing. Mayor Greene inquired if there is anyone present to speak concerning the pro- posed Redevelopment Plan. Mary Ellen Bacile, 9017 Arrington, commented on the property she owns, which is in the downtown area to be slated for development of a seven story building by Mr. Andy Cardono. She indicated she would be willing to participate in redevelopment but cannot since the plans are for Mr. Cardono to develop the entire block. Mr. Thompson stated if it is Ms. Bacile's desire to participate in this or to reinvest in property in the downtown area, there are ways this can be accomplished. He also indicated it is possible this can be worked out with Mr. Cardono. Mr. Thompson did point out that until there is actually a defined redevelopment area, a specific and final agreement cannot be developed. Ms. Bacile mentioned many of the property owners in this area have had their businesses in the community for many years. Mr. Thompson indicated he would be willing to meet with Ms. Bacile and the other people involved to see what possibilities are acceptable. Mr. Cy Madragna, 11554 South Downey Avenue, stated his opposition to the pro- ject and indicated many people are in fear of losing their homes. Mr. Thompson said there is no intent to take Mr. Madragna's home and suggested the Council could make a statement that it would forego any authority for condemnation in that area until the property owners make definite plans. Mr. Mike Vale, 8327 East Davis Street, asked the Council to consider a motion to forego condemnation proceedings. He questioned how the program was initiated. Mr. Thompson noted there are no residential properties involved in the proposed Redevelopment Project. But, if any of the project property owners have plans for redevelopment of their property, the City could work out an owner participation agreement in the hopes of providing some assistance. Mr. Dolley indicated the purpose of this meeting is to review all of the documents presented and to adopt a conceptual plan for redevelopment. Any specific plan would have to be formulated with the property owners. Mr. Bernard Lippus, 8320 Fontana Street, feels the people should be informed as to what is planned for the Redevelopment Project. Mr. Thompson explained a specific plan does not exist at this time, but it would be the intent if the City Council adopts the redevelopment boundaries for the redevelopment area, then discussions can be held with the property owners to see what they have in mind. Mr. Lippus said the people did not come to the City with redevelopment plans -- the City went to the people, and the City should have some idea as to what it plans. Mrs. Verna Taylor, 9508 Firestone Boulevard, questioned what redevelopment has in mind. Mr. Tincher answered the intent of the program is that unless reinvestment takes place in certain areas decline will result, and if property owners are interested in developing their property, financial assistance may be available. Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes 7/18/78 -2- Mr. Thompson indicated he would be willing to personally call upon anyone who wishes to discuss the plan. Mr. Fred Delgado, Jr., representing Mr. Alex Moisa, 9802 Downey Norwalk Road, introduced a letter from Mr. Moisa's physician which was read into the record. Mrs. Katherine Dimmick, 9365 Otto Street and owner of property on Regentview in Subarea B, said the people do not want any part of this. She commented on her husband's telephone conversations with Mr. Tincher. Mr. Tincher pointed out that he has discussed Redevelopment with property owners without any misrepresentation. Municipal Services went into all of the four survey areas throughout the City identifying, examining, and assessing what might be feasible as a potential plan. Mrs. Dimmick said she wants to be left out of the plans and that the Council act on each property individually. Ms. Maryann Brown spoke regarding her property in Subarea C and stated her opposition to the proposed Redevelopment. Mr. James Knoll, 9166 Dinsdale, representing the Downey Chamber of Commerce, suggested this meeting be.limited to merely the adoption of a plan and a beginning basis. The Chamber feels the proposed Ordinance goes too far at this time, and he raised questions regarding certain sections of the Ordinance and the costs antici- pated for the program. Mr. Wendell Wiser, 10921 Paramount Boulevard, representing the property owner at the corner of Stewart & Gray and Firestone, as well as property on Regentview, said his client does not wish to participate in the program for either of his properties. Mr. John Dimmick, 11263 Regentview, questioned.previous information concerning a certain percentage of people being in favor of the program and also questioned proposed project costs. Mr. Gilbert Alvarado, 8328 Texas Street, said this would be forcing people to move out of the area, as well as creating a hardship on the property owners. Mr. Larry Chaney, 12262 Orizaba Street, speaking on behalf of the Downev Board of Realtors, said the Board is in opposition to redevelopment programs because it takes away the element of private enterprise. Mr. Gerome Rossiter, 8202 Adoree in the Gardendale area, spoke regarding the hardship the program will create on many people. Mr. Tom Adragna, 8321 Davis Street, said he is interested in progress for the City of Downey but he, like many people, is on a fixed income. Mr. George Johnson, residing on Cheyenne Avenue, mentioned he has seen a book- let that there really is a plan for the area, and he understands a meeting will be held on this plan tomorrow evening. He cited several business on Paramount that have created graffiti and other problems for that area. Mr. James Santangelo, 8426 Dacosta, spoke regarding his property located at Firestone and Woodruff and opposed a resolution adopted by the Commission that a certain percentage of tax increment funds is being spent on low and moderate income housing. He did concur that something needs to be done to preserve against blight in the City but asked the Commission to consider that no property in the City be condemned unless it is volunteered by the property owner. Joan Whitman, 8125 Devenir, said a lot of money has been spent to advertise the program and she, too, questioned proposed costs for improvements. It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Jackman, and passed by unanimous vote to include all of the preceding testimony and evidence into the record. Mayor Greene then declared the public hearing closed. (See later recuest of Council to keep the hearing open.) Councilman Jackman stated concern that all of the people speaking at this hearing have opposed the Redevelopment Program, but he also feels there has been a Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes 7/18/78 -3- lot of misinformation. He said it is not known as yet what impact Proposition 13 will have on the tax increment. Councilman Jackman then asked if any properties can be removed from a project area at the request of the property owner. Mr. Thompson replied yes, if a property owner within the districts meets Code standards and is compatible with the final overall plan, then it can be exempted and granted a waiver. Mr. Manny DeDios of Municipal Services, Inc., cited a section of the proposed Redevelopment Plan pertaining to conforming owners. The Council indicated it would prefer the hearing to remain open, and Mayor Greene concurred. Councilman Jackman said there seems to be a problem about money developers are willing to invest in Downey of being able to reveal to anyone in Downey what their plans are. He asked if this can be done before the plan is adopted. Mr. Thompson responded that some of the people have asked this to be discussed with them in confidence and have indicated they would be willing to sign an owner Participation Agreement at such time as the City adopts a plan. Mr. Lippus said people have a right to know who is interested in developing their.propoerty because all he has heard is opposition. Mr. Jack Bacile asked why the names of property owners in favor of redevelop- ment cannot be disclosed. Mr. Tincher replied he has discussed the Redevelopment Program with property owners in his office, and there is no way he has the right to divulge the conversations he has had in private. Mayor Greene declared a recess from 10:04 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. The meeting resumed with all Council Members/Commissioners present. The Council agreed to continue the hearing to 7:00 p.m., July 24, 1978, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. Mr. Nanny DeDios outlined the procedures to be taken as required by law on each property that enters into an Owner Participation Agreement with the City. He' also explained condemnation proceedings. Mr. Dimmick still questioned the City proceeding with this when he has heard nothing but opposition. Mr. Joe Virelli, 8332 Texas Street, expressed concern for his mother and other people who would be affected by the redevelopment proposal. An unannounced speaker said he does not feel the people are opposed to redevelopment in Downey but are afraid of the word "condemnation." Ms. Whitman questioned the ownership of the condominiums on Downey Avenue and whether they belong to the City. Mr. Thompson replied it is a private development. Mr. Thompson then stated it would be in context with what the City is attempt- ing to do in the plan for the City Council to consider waiving its power of eminent domain with respect to any property within the Redevelopment Project Area presently in residential use. Mr. James Santangelo suggested the Council also consider waiving eminent domain for commercial property and all other properties in order to let the people freely participate without the fear of condemnation. Discussion followed. Mr. Thompson said in addition to the Council waiving eminent domain on resi- dential property, it can waive it on commercial property until such time as a specific plan can be developed after working with the property owners and having it brought to the Commission for its review, consideration, and public hearing. Mr. Santangelo proposed that eminent domain be removed from all properties until a plan is brought forward and the people are able to make a decision whether or not :to be part of the plan. Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes 7/18/78 -4- Mr. Dolley questioned whether the City would have a viable Redevelopment Plan if the entire eminent domain proceedings are waived by the Council. He suggested the proposed Ordinance should include the Council decision concerning eminent domain. Mr. Knoll stated opposition to selectively excluding condemnation proceedings from the Ordinance for residential and commercial properties. He asked if the pro- vision could be removed in toto and then after the plan has been presented within the Ordinance to bring in the power of condemnation. Councilman Jackman questioned this approach but said he would be willing to the waiver on residential property and to take a hard look at the commercial aspect. Mr. Dan Levy, 10363 Downey Avenue, owner of a business at 8218 Firestone, stated he is for redevelopment but feels the City should present a plan before property owners can commit themselves. Further discussion ensued. An unannounced speaker commented on some of the previous speakers' remarks. Mr. Dimmick indicated he read the correspondence received by the Council and that there was only one complimentary of the Redevelopment Program. Mr. Alan Davison, 11228 Hannon Avenue, Culver City, said it appears there is an intensive sales program going on. Mr. Joe Adragna said the Council should now have an opportunity to review the citizens' remarks, and he thanked the Council for its courtesy. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Councilman Swearingen to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Dolley suggested some alternatives be drawn up for consideration by the Council. Councilman Jackman said he would like staff to prepare an Ordinance to exclude condemnation proceedings from residential and commercial property. No objections were stated by the Council. At 11:05 p.m., the meeting was adjourned to 7:00 p.m., July 24, 1978, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer William L. Greene, Mayor/Chairman Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes 7/18/79 -5-