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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-10-01-78-Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 1, 1978 The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an adjourned regular meeting at 7:00 p.m., August 1, 1978, in the Downey Community Theatre, Mayor William L. Greene presiding. PRESENT: Council Members/Commissioners: Theodore H. Jackman Kenneth J. Miller Mayor Pro Ten/Vice-Chairman Milton R. Mackaig Lyell W. Swearingen William L. Greene Mayor/Chairman ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney Ervin Spindel, Director of Community Development William A. Goggin, City Planner Thomas Tincher, Housing & Human Services Coordinator Robert L. Shand, City Clerk -Treasurer Mayor Greene declared that this is the time and place for the joint public hear- ing between the City Council and Community Development Commission on Proposed Downey Redevelopment Plan, which was continued from the adjourned regular meeting of July 24, 1978. Staff presented a slide presentation on the proposed Redevelopment Plan. Mr. Thompson outlined the requirements that must be followed in implementing the Redevelopment Plan. Mr. Spindel commented on the Downey Central Area Development Plan adopted by the City Council in 1961 and recited recommendations outlined in the City's General Plan adopted in 1973, calling for the protection and preservation of residential areas, the need to make better and more efficient use of limited industrial areas, and to support private programs aimed at revitalization and redevelopment of older commercial areas. He then discussed the Reinvestment Program adopted by the Downey City Council, of which the Redevelopment Program is but one element. Mr. Thompson stated the basic question before the City Council this evening is whether or not to adopt the proposed Downey Redevelopment Plan and establish framework within the City's development opportunities. Mr. Tincher narrated a slide presentation on each of the four Redevelopment Sub -Areas. Mr. Manny DeDios, President of Municipal Services, Inc., discussed the effect of Proposition 13 on the Redevelopment effort and the anticipated costs for the Redevelop- ment Project, including revenue to be generated. He indicated the 30-year time period itemized in the Redevelopment Plan relates to financing the Community Development Commission's portion of the project but does not suggest the final recommendation for development. Mr. Thompson stated there are many viable reinvestment opportunities which can be pursued if the proposed Redevelopment Plan is adopted, and the project as now envisioned would be financially feasible. He pointed out adoption of the Plan is the first step in a series of legally -required steps which must be taken to implement a redevelopment project. He said once a specific plan is adopted for an area, the Community Development Commission may then enter into formal agreements with those property owners wishing to participate. Mr. Goggin commented on the Planning Commission's review and recommendations concerning the proposed Ordinance adopting the Redevelopment Plan. The Planning Commission specifically reviewed the concern relative to condemnation of property and has made recommendation that private property, single family residential property which is owner -occupied not be condemned. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and so ordered to receive and file the report of the Planning Commission. Mayor Greene inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of the proposed Redevelopment Plan. Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes 8/1/78 (adj.) -1- Mr. Angelo Cordon , 11114 New Street, favored the Redevelopment Program. He said he owns probably the oldest building in the area between Downey Avenue, Firestone Boulevard, New Street, and Second Street, and he went on record as saying he would be willing to redevelop that area if the program is passed. (name inaudible), Puritan Avenue, said she was one of the people selected to get more people involved in the project. She indicated that in talking to 25-to-30 resi- dents on Puritan Avenue, only one was opposed to the project. She feels majority of the people are in favor of the Paramount-Gardendale Redevelopment Program. Mr. Harold Wilkins, 9850 Hasty Avenue, complimented the City Government on the progress it has made to date. He stated his office is in Sub -Area "C" across from the Downey Community Hospital, and all of the property owners in that area are in favor of the Redevelopment Plan as outlined. He urged adoption of the Plan. Mr. Mel Rice, 10056 Pico Vista, Chairman of the Reinvestment Committee, said the Committee recommends continuation of the redevelopment process but is not supporting a specific plan at this time. There being no one else wishing to speak in favor, Mayor Greene then inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak in protest. Mr. Wendell Wiser, 10921 Paramount Boulevard, said he was not aware that Pellet Street on which he lives was slated for rehabilitation. It was explained that the hearing this evening concerns Redevelopment, not Rehabilitation, and that the area he is referring to is a Conservation Area. Joan Whitman does not understand the plan and questioned how the citizens would gain from it. Mr. Harold Bell, Third Street, raised questions regarding the right of the property owner to contest condemnation procedures. Mr. Guy Center, 10303 Downey Avenue, said his property is adjacent to the Rede- velopment Area, and he discussed the Councils role in the community, questioning the purpose of the Redevelopment Program and eminent domain procedure. Mr. Thompson explained the City is proposing to meet with the property owners and attempt to develop the best plan for the area to preserve the properties involved. Mr. Bill Howe, 8330 Davis, also raised questions concerning eminent domain. Mr. Thompson explained the Planning Commission has recommended the provision providing for eminent domain be removed from the Plan as it pertains to owner -occupied residential property, and that recommendation is now before the City Council for approval. Discussion followed. Katherine Dimmick, owner of property on Regentview, said the people do not want to incur large mortgages or increased taxes. She feels the landowners will suffer if the Redevelopment Plan is approved. Mr. John Dimmick questioned the financial feasibility of the program. Mr. James Santangelo, 8426 Dacosta, said he was originally opposed to the Rede- velopment Program, but stated for the record he is no longer totally opposed. He also requested for the record that when an individual property comes back for review, the Council give understanding and fair treatment to the people involved. Mr. Henry DeKuyper, 7625 Sarabeth, questioned the effect this will have on the livelihood of the small property owner who lives from his income property. Mr. DeDios explained there will be an analysis made of each property involved, and relocation expenses will be allowed. Mr. Thompson pointed out there are no plans to displace people from their homes. Councilman Miller said each case will be evaluated on its own merits. Mr. Santangelo inquired about the amount of time each property owner would have to reinvest his money from the sale of property in the Redevelopment Area. Mr. DeDios replied the property owner will have the balance of that year plus two additional years. Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes 8/1/78 (adj.) -2- Mr. Cordon commented he would like to do something for the community to make it better for the next generation. As to his property, he said he would be willing to let a developer come in and redevelop the entire block, which would be a tax savings for him. He urged the Council to vote for the Redevelopment Plan. There being no one else wishing to speak, it was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and so ordered to close the hearing. Councilman Jackman explained he will vote for the Redevelopment Plan and then staff will have the opportunity to talk officially to the property owners to discuss owner -participation agreements. Each proposal will be brought back to Council for final decision. He gave assurance that as far as he is concerned, the Council will not use eminent domain for residential property owners. Councilman Jackman indicated he will look very closely to any plan brought back by staff to make sure no one is hurt on this Redevelopment Plan. Councilman Miller stated his concerns about the power of eminent domain and that he does not feel it would be approved by the Council if it were to hurt anyone in the City. He also indicated he will be voting in favor of the Redevelopment Plan, but noted that any decision on this will not be an easy one to make. Councilman Mackaig said he would not be able to vote for the Redevelopment Plan as presented unless several issues were cleared up: The first appears to be taken care of in that there will be no condemndation of owner -occupied property; the second issue :is that he does not feel he can obligate anyone to a plan for the next 30 years. Mr. Thompson explained the 30 years refers strictly to financing, but he believes eight -to -ten years will be sufficient time to get the Redevelopment Plan started. Councilman Mackaig indicated he would like to have that put in writing in the proposal to be voted on. Next, he stated his biggest concern is the fact that the Chamber of Commerce has not endorsed the Program. Councilman Swearingen pointed out he feels the key issue to this matter is that each proposal will come back to Council for final action, and he can see no reason to delay .approving the Redevelopment Plan. He concurred with the remarks of Councilman Jackman and Mr. Santangelo in that everything will be done right. Mayor Greene stated all of the Council Members have an interest in the community and in their homes, and he feels the Council is taking the right step in continuing to keep the City on the right track. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by unanimous vote to amend the Plan in accordance with the proposed changes recommended by the Planning Commission concerning removal of eminent domain from the Plan as it pertains to owner -occupied residential property. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by unanimous vote to approve changes in the Proposed Non -Substantive Modifications to the Report to City Council and Proposed Redevelopment Plan resulting from the Commission Attorney's Review. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING AND ADOPTING A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE DOWNEY REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA AS THE OFFICIAL REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR SUCH PROJECT AREA The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Jackman and seconded by Councilman Miller to waive further reading. It was moved by Councilman Jackman, seconded by Councilman Miller, and passed by the following vote to introduce the Ordinance. AYES: 4 Council Members: Jackman, Miller, Swearingen, Greene NOES: 1 Council Member: Mackaig Mr. Wendell Wiser, 10921 Paramount Boulevard, said the property owners he repre- sents on Firestone Boulevard are not pleased with the Council's decision on this matter. He is opposed to Pellet Street being included in the Rehabilitation Area. There being no further business to come before the City Council/Community Development Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Robert L. Shand, William L. Greene, City Clerk-Treasurer/Secretary Mayor/Chairman Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes 8/1/78 (adj.) -3-