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A resident noted his appreciation to the panelists to help the City and noted he is impressed with the group adding he would like to see a long -term development plan. A resident noted concern that the city has young residents and in order for them to remain in the city the need to offer jobs and affordable housing adding he feels the boutique hotel is a great idea. Ms. Alzamora noted she is pleased and noted panelists are available if additional questions may arise that were not covered at the meeting. The Panelists thanked the Committee and staff for the opportunity noting it was a pleasure; noted green factor should be sustainable and set an example with LEED certification; noted an exhibit should be added to the RFQ that list the area parking; noted bifurcating the site makes sense and gives flexibility to possibly two investors; advised on changing wording on RFQ from "Parking Garage" to "Vibrant Downtown Mixed -Use Opportunity" and place an aerial of the area and identify the uses currently there or is to come and what the city envisions; and recommended talking to other cities such as Long Beach who are focused on their downtown. Mr. Trevino then reviewed items that were discussed: authenticity is the city's strong suit and need to stay true to that; the need to look at all parking in the downtown to allow the city to take a different approach if spaces get replaced and how pedestrians move about; reopening Sycamore Street; the need to look at a narrowed Sycamore right of way; Sycamore could possibly be a flex street with opportunities to close for events; boutique hotels; creative office; ground floor retail; layering or mixing of uses. Also noted the need to get a broker to reach out to developers and write, call and invite them to provide personal tours. Lastly noted sustainability and not just for its own sake because it has value and is an asset to the community. Mr. Cavazos noted the replacing of the 440 parking spaces would be restrictive and noted this project needs to scream Santa Ana and have a design and concept competition to look at the uses and the need of an engineering analysis where we can go below grade and provide a cost estimate. Committee member Benavides thanked the panelists for the investment of their time and their expertise noting this will be a turning point for this project and will bring in significant interest towards the future of the downtown. Vice Chair Martinez thanked everyone or the participation and their energy, noted excitement and passion for the downtown, city and county; noted valuable interaction from experts; noting the community benefit whether a gymnasium, conference room center, boutique or anchor hotel, and environmental sustainability needs to be a priority; noted she is looking forward to a new RFQ; noted the hope of removing some of the language for the parking and the 10 -story restriction on the height. Chairman Sarmiento thanked colleagues for devoting and investing their time, thanked staff for organizing, noted the success of the Mini -TAP; commented on the financing of the project and the feasibility; the replacement of parking spaces which Development & Transp. Council Committee Minutes '1 S 11-3 October 31, 2013