RM 03-17-78 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COMMISSIONER'S REGULAR MEETING Friday, March 17, 1978 FLOOR DISCUSSIONS (Mr.lBrademas continues): We believe, in the foreseeable future that the law suit, which is currently pending, will solve a critical problem, and at the same time add substantially to the character and strength of the City. (He points to his drawings and continues discussion) This is Michigan Street, and this is the parking structure back here. This is the American Bank Building. The commercial would be on the ground floor, and the housing on the top floors, and the parking structure would be tied in here with a covered pedestrian walkway. Now I could go on for some length and try to convince the Commission of the wisdom of this move, but I think to summarize my own business philosophy... that I have always tried to make an investment or spend my time in some activity, and to try to maximize that one activity or one investment so that it will have a snowballing effect. It should have an effect of multiplying in a sense that it will do double, or even triple duty, and I think that is exactly what I am trying to demonstrate here. We hive the opportunity to bring life into downtown by putting some people in tie downtown area after six o'clock. Many of these people will be around 62 y ars of age, very alert, and very active. Just because these people get to b 62 years of age doesn't mean that they cannot provide and lead useful and ictive lives, because my mother is 74 years old, and I have a time keeping up with her. We need these type of people in the heart of our city, and this prog am will make it possible. Now I am not suggesting that we take all the downtown buildings and stack housing for the elderly on top of them, but I do t ink there is a place for housing for the elderly in the downtown. The olutions to the legal problems that the Commission is faced with should be d ne in such a manner that it will be a positive thing. It is not a matt ?r of giving in because you are faced with a lawsuit, it is a matter of taki g actions which indicate to the community and indicate to the effective people in the area, that this Commission is not here to just clear land and make it available to some group who has not had their life invested in the down own, but to indicate conclusively to them, and to the community, that this Commission has compassion, and is ready to work to solve these problems, and we would like very much to work with the Commission in this regard. With that I will quit and see if you have any questions for me. Mr. iggins: What access will there be for the tenants in these apartments? How o they get into them? Mr. staff we h rademas: On the ground floor here (points to drawing). An elevator and way would be the principle means of access to the apartments, just as the in our apartments at the 100 Center. -11-