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349 investments that the City government believes in downtown and it is a good place to invest their money. Mr. Gene Finch, #15 Deer Oaks, property owner since 1965, stated that approval of the redevelopment plan is one way Council can support downtown. He stated that if some items must be excluded in his opinion it should be items 5, 7, 8, and 9 of proposed public improvements of Table I in the Staff Report, as reflected earlier by the Mayor. Mr. John Matthews, 720-722 Main Street and member of the PAC, stated there are a lot of things about the plan which he does not like: he does not want to see people displaced; and he does not like the idea of the parking lots but that can be addressed later. He stated he would like to see these projects funded from the General Fund where it should be coming from, but he has been told that is not possible. He stated this is a funding mechanism to get to an end. He stated the downtown merchants are being forced to do what the rest of the town is not being forced to do. He wants to see a commitment by the City for a share of the improvements. He urged approval of the plan. Mr. Mike Cooper, 200 Rose Avenue, asked for support of the CDA plan with modifications proposed by the Chamber of Commerce. He stated he is a small business owner who has dedicated a great deal of time and effort to his business over the past three and one half years and he views this as a funding mechanism for the improvements he feels are necessary to keep the downtown area a special place. Ms. Judy Mayhew, owner of business at 610 Main street, stated she supports the Chambers recommendations and urged Council to do the same. The following persons spoke in opposition to the redevelopment plan: Mr. John Corley, 3299 Runnymede, stated he was called yesterday by Auburn Investors who own the land on which Utility Vault is located, and they have asked him to speak this evening about their being included in "downtown". They read the material that was sent to them by staff that referred to a blighted area, that concerned them. The need for low-cost housing concerned them. They feel there is no rational justification for Utility Vault to be included in the district. Now that the hearing is being continued to hopes to explain to Auburn Investments why they are included in the plan. He added that they would concur that taxes from downtown should be used downtown. Mr. Stanley Rathbone, 325 Ray Street, stated he has been living here over 75 years and the home he lives in was purchased by his family in 1801 from John Kottinger. He felt his property was being discriminated against which was not right. He stated the Chamber says the project plan is short $20 million which can - 31 - 12-6-88