HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCDC Minutes 01/10/1977PETALUIik COMMUNITY'DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Minutes_of Meeting
Monday, January 10, 1977 - 4:00 p.m.
JAN. 2 8 1977
REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Petaluma Community Development
Commission was called to order by Chairman Helen Putnam at
the hour of 4:00 -p.m.
ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Brunner, Cavanagh*, Hilligoss, Mattei,
Perry, and Chairman Putnam
Absent: Commissioner Harberson (Chairman Putnam advised
Mr. Harberson had contacted her indicating he would
be unable to attend the meeting.)
*Commissioner Cavanagh arrived at 4:05 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 13, 1976, were
approved as mailed.
REPORT AND DISCUSSION: Report prepared by Project Manager Janie Warman dated January 6,
OFF-STREETPARKING, 1977, entitled "Parking Alternatives and Cost Estimates for
REVITALIZATION AREA Downtown Revitalization Area" submitted and filed.
Keller.Street Parking Lot Expansion. Ms. Warman explained if the lot is expanded by
purchasing the gasoline service station, an additional 21 spaces could be provided in
the lot. The cost, including land acquisition and improvement, demolition fees, con-
struction and engineering fees would range from $120,802 to $134,802, or a cost per
space of from $5,752 to $6,419. Expansion by 21 spaces would provide 78 spaces in
this lot.
City -Engineer David Young advised double -decking the lot is an option which could be
considered. The cost per space on the second or third deck would be reduced as land
acquisition would not be necessary. Mr. Young also indicated the Faustman report
prepared for the City some time ago considered this lot to be the prime location for
parking in.the downtown area. At the time the report was presented to the City
Council, the estimated cost was $500,000. Mr. Young felt this figure could be
multiplied by 2-1/3 times to meet a more realistic construction cost at this time.
Mr. Youngadvised in order to reach a cost figure for construction of a double -or
triple -decked parking facility, an expert in the field should be consulted.
A Street Parking Lot Expansion. Expansion of the A Street Lot could create 46
additional spaces as depicted on the drawing shown on the overhead projection unit.
The total spaces would ultimately be 1.11. Of these, 16 would be reserved for the
sole use of the School District. The appraisal estimates given by Wheeler Associates
Realtors for land acquisition is $60,000. This cost, added to the cost for demolition,
construction, engineering and contingency fees,brings the total to $209,216, or a cost
per space of $4,548. Ms. Warman explained there could be pedestrian access to the
Library, and to Western Avenue via the Northern California Savings property. The
cost included these amenities which would be brick walkways. The City Engineer
stated, however, if the walkways were included some parkin spaces would be lost
and the total would not be 111 spaces. There would still be access to Fourth Street
and to Fifth Street from the parking area, as the main driveway would be designed
for two-way traffic, even though A Street would be abandoned.
Ms. Warman explained the figures presented to the Commission on the costs were
estimated costs,as.actual-appraisals.for the properties to be: acquired would require
the expenditure of additional funds.
Discussion was held on the occupancy rate of the A Street Lot. Ms. Warman advised a
survey taken some time in May indicated over 60 percent occupancy. There are 20 spaces
rentedon a monthly basis. Commissioners expressed concern over comparing a non
meter-ed.lot with one on which parking meters are installed. suggestion was made to
replace the meters on the A Street Lot, then to determine the%ccupancy rate.
Some discussion was held on the "pro -active" and "re -active" approach to providing
parking. Ms. Warman stated in order to attract major tenants for some of the larger
buildings, it may be necessary to use the "pro -active" approach by providing parking
REPORT AND DISCUSSION: to entice the larger businesses to the area. If buildings
OFF-STREET PARKING, such as the one formerly used by Penney's are to be used for
REVITALIZATION AREA- more specialty shops or offices, then it may be possible more
(CONT'D)
should endeavor
parking would not be needed. Economic studies, however, indi-
cate the core area does not need this type of business but
to attract one major store in the business district.
Petaluma Boulevard North,. Ms. Warman pointed out the three possibilities for pro-
viding,parking on Petaluma Boulevard North. These were depicted on a drawing giver_
to members of the Commission. "A" would provide 45 spaces on the western side of
the B.o-ulevard and because of the high cost of the land, would be the most expensive
per space - $12,887-. The properties involved include the buildings presently occupied
by Keig's, Medico Drug, the vacant lot next to the Golden Concourse, and the building
formerly occupied by Penney's. "B" would include buildings occupied by Petaluma
Realty, Ambrosia Cafe, Alta's Books/Antiques, Surplus, Travel Agency, Petaluma Vacuum
Center and Sears' Catalog Store. The cost per space to provide 50 new spaces is
estimated at $9,140. "C" includes two parcels owned by the City of Petaluma (one
actually is a part of the Washington Street widening), Guy's Furniture, Beasley's
Restaurant, Flash Records,'Earth Mart, Gil's Lock & Key, Herby's Hot Dog and the
Canton Restaurant. This section would provide 45 additional spaces at a cost of
$10,107 per space.
Commissioner.Mattei pointed out if the property owners involved were not willing to
sell, then there was no point in pursuing the matter. It was suggested that all of
the property owners be contacted to determine if they would consider selling.
Commissioner Brunner advised the properties owned by Mr. Chester Beasley are
presently on the market, but questioned whether or not the displaced businesses
would have to be relocated -by the Commission. City Attorney Matthew Hudson stated,
in his opinion, provisions would have to be made for relocation. Commissioner
Brunner indicated the relocation could conceivably cost more than the land acquisition.
Deputy Director Frank Gray -advised there were several property owners on Petaluma
Boulevard who had approached the Commission indicating they were willing to sell
their properties. The land to expand the_A Street Lou is also available for sale,
and the service station at the end of the Keller Street Parking Lou is presently
vacant. Commissioner Hilligoss also advised the Margolis property, located north
of Washington Street on the eastern side of Petaluma Boulevard is for sale and may
prove to be less expensive than trying to put public parking to the south on
Petaluma.Boulevard. Mr. .Meyer pointed out the Faustman report indicated if
Customer parking was made available north of Washington Street, it would not be
used. This space may be a suitable location for employee parking, however, the
Commission is not concerned with providing this type of parking in the high value
area.
Executive Director then asked the Commission what projects the staff should be
working on to bring back for further discussion. Suggestions included exploring
the possibility of expanding the Keller Street and A Street ots, including the
double decking of Keller Street; a breakdown on the occupant rate of the A Street
Lot as presently constructed; the cost of placing meters on any proposed lots;
the possibility of having lots with an hourly charge and validated parking. In
addition, it was questioned whether there would be a sufficient increase in
merchandizing to support the proposed lots and tenant parking.
Before concluding the discussion, Chairman Putnam called on Mr. Jeffrey Harriman,
one of the principals involved in the restoration of the McNear Buildings. Mr.
Harriman stated.it was his understanding the Commission was interested in getting
new merchants into the area. If the Commission took the "pro -active" measure to
provide parking as part of the. commitment on providing public improvements, he
felt they could obtain quality tenants for the two McNear Buildings.
Commissioner Hilligoss.stated she felt the Commission was formed to make sure some
of thepublic improvements were done. She was under the impression the Commission
pledged to do the public improvements in order to encourage,private enterprise to
rehabilitate and build in the Project Area.
LETTER, EDJAR HANSEN .. A letter dated December 15, 1976, addressed to the Petaluma
SUPPORTING. OFF-STREET Community Development Commission from Edjar K. Hansen of
PARKING Hansen Realtors was read by the Recording Secretary and
ordered filed.
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LETTER., EDJAR HANSEN
SUPPORTING OFF-STREET
PARKING (CONT'D)
Mr. Hansen's letter supported the creation of additional off-
street parking within the Central Business District.
Mr. Jack Beasley spoke briefly to the Commission. He stated
that.although his property was presently listed for sale, if
off-street parking..would.be provided in the area where the Penney's building is
located, he would reconsider and rehabilitate and redevelop his property.
Mr. Wallace..Lourdeaux also spoke to the Commission and stated it was his feeling the
downtown location needed three,or four large parking areas dispersed throughout the
area.rather than one large lot.
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission,
the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Attest:
cording ecretary
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Chairman