05-07-04 Redevelopment Commission Minutes

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l: of believe that the PAC Staff does n Building, in its g, p resent condition, is suitable for use as a rental property without significant financial investment by the Commission. As such, Staff has not obtained any appraisals to determine the rental value of the Property. During the period of time pending demolition of the PAC Building, the Commission would be required to seal the PAC Building in order to ensure that the Property does not become a public nuisance and invite tresspass. However, even if the PAC Building is vacant and sealed, the Commission would be required to make certain monthly expenditures in order to ensure that the Property does not pose an unsafe condition for the community. Therefore, Staff is recommending that the Commission permit ERFA to temporarily use the Property until such time as the Commission determines to demolish the PAC Building and proceed with development of the Property. Staff is requesting that the Commission approve temporary use of the PAC Building by ERFA subject to: (1) ERFA's submission of a five (5) year business plan and organization documents; (2) execution of an agreement between the Commission and ERFA in a form acceptable to legal counsel providing for the terms of said use. Staff further recommends that any agreement include language expressly noting the that ERFA's use of the Property is temporary and may be terminated by the Commission upon written notification in keeping with the Commission's primary objective for this Property which is demolition of the structure to accommodate a larger development project. As consideration for the temporary use of the Property, Staff is also recommending that ERFA be responsible for cleaning and maintaining the Property during its use. Staff believes that the addition of ERFA to the East Bank Area, even on a temporary basis, will contribute greatly to achievement of the Commission's overall goal of establishing the downtown as an entertainment and cultural center. Currently, the area around the PAC Building is deserted with the three corners of the "T" intersection of Colfax and Sycamore all vacant. The former Wharf site is located on the south side and the Rink and PAC Buildings are on the two north corners. Permitting ERFA to use the PAC Building on a temporary basis will benefit the community by bringing life and vitality back to the area which is currently a problem for existing businesses. For example, Macri' s Restaurant recently cut back on its evening hours due to a lack of customers in the evening resulting in part from a lack of other attractions in the area. ERFA is comprised mainly of part-time artists who work at normal jobs during the day and practice their craft at night. They have plans to establish a classroom in the building for art classes, open an art gallery and invite other artists from outside the area for public showings all of which will draw people to the area in addition to the artists themselves. ERFA has also suggested that it may be willing to donate certain artwork to the community in exchange for the opportunity to utilize the PAC Building. Staff is requesting the Commission's approval of ERFA's temporary use of the Property consistent with Staff's recommendations. Legal counsel has prepared a Resolution consistent with Staff's recommendation. H Wpdaw an 8 .pd What We Do Today Makes A Difference!