1996-05-07 Annual CIC Minutes221
MINUTES OF ANNUAL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 7. 1 96
The meeting was convened at 7:34 p.m., with Chair Appezzato
presiding. Commissioner Mannix led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Pastor Clark Flescher, First Baptist Church, gave the invocation.
ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Commissioners Arnerich, DeWitt, Lucas,
Mannix and Chair Appezzato - 5.
ABSENT: None.
MINUTES
2. (96 -09) Minutes of the Special Community Improvement
Commission Meeting held April 16, 1996. Approved.
Commissioner Mannix moved approval of the Minutes. Commissioner
Arnerich seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote
- 5.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3 -A. (96 -10) Report from the Community Development Director
Regarding Feasibility of Restoration of the Alameda Theater to
Operate as a Community /Film Festival Theater. (Commissioner Lucas)
Accepted.
William McCall Sr., former Alameda Mayor, stated that he does not
believe Alameda can compete with the theater complexes, parking
facilities and restaurants located in Jack London Square; and that
Alameda needs an Auto Mall on Park Street to generate revenue.
Diane Coler -Dark, Economic Development Commission Member, stated
that it was inappropriate to concentrate Community Improvement
Commission funds into a publicly - sponsored project; other
incentives should be explored to attract a private operator; and
parking is definitely an issue.
Lynne Fitzsimmons, President, Park Street Business Association,
stated that the Alameda Theater was very important to Park Street;
and the Association would help to make it happen.
Kate Pryor, Tucker's Ice Cream Parlor, stated that the Alameda
Theater was a jewel; that Alameda wanted a theater in town; and
everything should be done to help the project along.
Neil Patrick Sweeney, Alameda, expressed support for the project.
Annual Meeting, Community
Improvement Commission
May 7, 1996
1
2,
r
At the Request of Commissioner Lucas, the Community Development
Director explained that one of the foundations to redevelopment in
Alameda was the adoption of Rules for Owner Participation; Rules
state that the Redevelopment Agency would put priority on
encouraging existing property owners to invest in and develop
properties they own, in order to revitalize the City; Alamedans
want a first run movie theater in the Alameda Theater structure;
a feasibility study was the first step; and the Commission would
enter into a partnership and match dollar for dollar - -up to
$25,000 - -to look at the market demand and other elements regarding
feasibility.
In answer to Commissioner Lucas' inquiry, the Community Development
Director stated that she had communicated with the owner and has
the indication that the owner will cooperate with the City.
Commissioner Arnerich stated that Alameda had to get on dead
center; that four of the five shopping centers were down in revenue
for the last quarter; and he wanted to proceed with the proposal.
Commissioner Mannix stated that he has gone on record before as
being a strong supporter of the project; project should be a
private venture; he can support a feasibility study funded by
monies intended for that purpose; and that the theater was an
important project for the Park Street area.
Chair Appezzato stated that the Commission /Council had spent a
great deal of time on the project; Council voted to tear down the
Linoaks Motel and expend $700,000 for parking; a great deal of
staff time and money had been expended on the first proposal; and
questioned why another $50,000 should be spent.
The Community Development Director responded that the process with
Mr. Michaan disclosed quite a bit of information, especially
regarding environmental impact and traffic demand issues; not
determined, was the number of theaters that could be supported
economically.
Chair Appezzato stated that he liked the approach to continue to
pursue the interests of a private major theater operator, and the
City should have enough staff expertise to put together a proposal.
Commissioner Lucas stated that Alamedans may want a first -run movie
theater; the Alameda Theater building had been underutilized for 25
years; a movie theater would add to Park Street; and it was worth
spending up to $25,000 for studying the issue.
Commissioner Lucas moved that the Commission authorize staff to
spend up to $25,000 of Community Improvement Funds for a
feasibility study.
Annual Meeting, Community
Improvement commission
May 7, 1996
2
22
Commissioner Arnerich seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Commissioner DeWitt stated that he supported the
project, but did not think Alameda taxpayers should be asked to
build a theater.
Commissioner Lucas stated that the purpose of the study was to
determine if there was a market for a first -run movie theater in
the City, and to attract an investor.
Chair Appezzato stated that he supported the project; if the City
does not have the expertise to inform the Commission how to
proceed, he was disappointed.
Commissioner Lucas's motion carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Commissioners Arnerich, Lucas and Mannix - 3. Noes:
Commissioner DeWitt and Chair Appezzato - 2. Absent: - None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON- AGENDA (Public Comment)
None.
COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS (Communication from Commissioners)
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Appezzato adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANE B. FELSCH, CMC
Secretary
The agenda for this meeting was posted in advance in accordance
with the Brown Act.
Annual Meeting, Community
Improvement Commiuion
May 7, 1996
3