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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />, '. <br /> <br />(. <br /> <br />[') <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />February 15, 1982 <br />Hon. Gordon Bricken - Page 2 <br /> <br />Since the,opening of Sombrero Street, I have worked very hard to provide <br />a first rate restaurant and a positive atmosphere for our downtown area. <br />Past problems in the downtown area have made it difficult to build an <br />evening and weekend trade. Through membership in various community <br />organizations, sponsorship of youth activities, the winning of two (2) <br />Silver Awards from the Southern California Restaurant Writers, and other <br />positive activities;r have been able to overcome past problems and build <br />a positive image for Sombrero Street and our downtown area. <br /> <br />Additionally, r have followed closely the efforts of the Redevelopment <br />Agency to create a positive business climate in the downtown area and <br />have personally encouraged other business owners to participate in the <br />future of this area. This effort and committment was due to my faith <br />in our future based on the past practice of the City. <br /> <br />Today that faith is considerably shaken. Upon learning of the proposed <br />redevelopment project that would void the leasehold/purchase option on <br />my parking area, I attempted to discuss the effects on my business with <br />Agency Staff and the City Manager. To date, they have not been interested <br />in my problems. <br /> <br />r have written to the City Attorney and his response, in essence, was to <br />let me know that the city can terminate my option by the exercising of <br />"eminent domain" and that I may present my comments at the public hearing. <br />Mr. Cooper also reassures me that the Agency has not approved any project <br />on this site and a public hearing will be held prior to approval. I <br />somehow do not find this very reassuring in view of the fact that prior <br />to any public hearing, the Agency staff has already recommended APPROVAL <br />of the proposed ~. (See attached copy of Agenda for February 16, <br />1982 meeting.) ~ I am wrong, but logically it would seem that a <br />public hearing should be held, the points raised should be considered <br />and then the recommendation developed. How else is the input from the <br />public to be given any real consideration? <br /> <br />The comments that r will make at the public hearing will focus on two <br />important areas: <br /> <br />Sombrero Street Specific <br /> <br />As the Agency and City Council kno~l, the avail abi 1 ity of suffi ci ent <br />convenient parking is critical to the existence of my business. <br /> <br />The current lease with option to purchase the parking area assures me of <br />the necessary parking to support my current level of business and the <br />possibility for future expansion. --- <br /> <br />IS- <br />