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single-family home on it and the parcel is being considered as part of the Downtown r- Committee's review. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Chris Schlies, 699 Peters A venue, Suite B, stated that he is an attorney representing Jerry Wagner, the owner of the mobile park. He advised that he is present this evening to speak against the fmding of General Plan conformity. He cited elements in the General Plan regarding enhancing the historic Downtown, encouraging parks, and encouraging senior low-income housing. He commented on the draft of the Downtown Specific Plan in which one of the policies speaks about the enhancement of the Arroyo del valle. He noted that if a restaurant like the Shadowbrook restaurant in Capitola could be located on the Arroyo, it would be an incredible asset to the community. Mr. Schlies advised that Mr. Wagner has spoken with some developers and there is interest in the redevelopment of this whole area. He stated that with adjacent properties and this property, a lot could be done. He noted that this could become an extension of Main Street. He advised that this opportunity would be lost if the City sells the property. Mr. Schlies advised that he feels the sale of the property to Mr. Ciesielski will not do anything for the General Plan elements and Specific Plan policies that he cited. He stated that he feels that the General Plan objectives can be fulfilled much better by retaining the property. ,,-- Jerry Wagner, 6344 Alisal Street, noted that he agrees with his attorney's view that the City should keep its options open for redeveloping this whole area. He noted that he has spoken with potential developers of the area. He advised that if the City were in a position to contribute the surplus land toward a development project, it may enhance the economics for a developer, and the community could obtain the benefits of an extension of the downtown area. Mr. Wagner advised that should the Commission vote to sell the surplus property, he is very interested in buying the property until the mobile home park property is developed as discussed by Mr. Schiles. He noted that in the meantime the property would be used for fire safety for the mobile park tenants and additional off-street parking. for the tenants. He stated that he wants the property sold by an open bidding process with potential buyers showing their ability to bid before bidding. He noted that the City has no obligation to sell the land to Mr. Ciesielski. Jack Chestnut, 4128 Stanley Blvd., advised that he does not understand why it should be sold now and that he feels it should be held by the City until the Downtown Specific Plan is developed. He stated that if the area is developed as suggested by Mr. Schiles and Mr. Wagner, he would like to see the property as a buffer zone. He further stated that if it is decided that the City will sell the property he is also interested in the bidding process. He noted that public law requires a bidding process and that it is in the best financial interest of the City to let those interested bid on the property. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Roberts noted that the Downtown Specific Plan Committee did not recommend this property for public open space use and the Parks and Recreation Commission concurred. She stated that she thinks the sale of the property is in conformance with the General Plan. r PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 24, 2001 Page 13