SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - Laserfiche WebLink

3. How were the boundaries of the JDEDZ drawn? Staff evaluated sites throughout the City to determine whether they would be suitable for an EDZ, and quickly focused on Johnson Drive as the most appropriate area because of its large cluster of available properties suitable for new business growth, its location near a major freeway interchange, and the fact that it is not immediately adjacent to a residential neighborhood, thus minimizing impacts on residents. Also, interest in the former Clorox site, vacated in 2013, presented an opportunity to be more proactive in the City's planning process. The JDEDZ boundaries were identified based on existing land use conditions and consultation with property owners. The overall size and scale of the JDEDZ were intentionally limited in order to focus on properties with the most potential for change, and to reflect the desire of the City to proceed in a cautious and thoughtful manner. 4. Wasn't there a citizen's initiative concerning the JDEDZ site? Yes, in June 2016, a group known as "Citizens for Planned Growth" submitted an initiative measure that would prohibit retail uses of 50,000 square feet or greater within the JDEDZ, effectively precluding the establishment of Costco or another club retail use. On July 12, 2016, the Alameda County Registrar of Voters certified that the measure contained the necessary signatures to qualify for the November 2016 ballot. On July 19, 2016, the City Council voted to accept the Alameda County Registrar of Voters Certification of Sufficiency regarding the signatures and decided to put the matter on the November ballot. At that time the City also undertook a Supplemental Comparative Analysis comparing the environmental, fiscal and economic effects of the EDZ to the program that would be implemented as part of the initiative measure. The measure was ultimately defeated by voters (approximately 63 percent of voters voted to reject the measure) on November 8, 2016, potentially allowing the JDEDZ to move forward if supported by Council. 5. What types of development may be allowed in the JDEDZ? Will there be a Costco? Hotel? The intent of the JDEDZ is to transform the underlying land use rules and transportation infrastructure in the area to attract different types of businesses than are currently allowed. The existing "General and Light Industrial" zoning allows primarily for warehousing and light-industrial uses, with some limited office development— uses that were once more popular in the area but that don't realize the potential of the site's highly-visible and freeway-accessible location. The proposed JDEDZ would allow for the development of a broader range of retail, visitor-serving, and office uses, including hotels, bookstores, department stores, food markets, gymnasiums, specialty stores, and club retail uses. The City has been in conversations with Costco, which is interested in building a retail warehouse in the JDEDZ and in helping to pay for needed transportation improvements, although Costco has not yet submitted a formal development application to the City. Major hotel operators have also expressed interest 3