With summer over and Halloween coming soon, I wanted to take a few moments to highlight a number of events, happenings and decisions on the City.
Earlier this year, the City adopted the Downtown Precise Plan (DTPP). Combined with last year’s adoption of the General Plan, both documents set a vision for the future of our City and the downtown. The vision continues the “Renaissance” of Redwood City. In addition to establishing a vision for our City, the General Plan and the DTPP provide clarity and certainty for developers, builders, and new business owners on what they need to do to develop a project.
One of our goals is to promote housing downtown. There are a number of housing projects in the planning stages: Mels’ Bowl on El Camino Real is planned for 141 units of rental housing; the former Dodge site at Veterans/Whipple is another site that is planned for rental housing. Other projects include 333 Main Street, 132 units or rental housing, including affordable housing, and 201 Marshall Street, 116 units of housing. All of these projects could be under construction next year.
As housing and residents arrive, so do new businesses. Sakura Teppanyaki and Sushi is a new “benihana” style restaurant that opened a couple of months ago. Sakura has quickly developed a devoted and regular clientele; The Old Spaghetti Factory will be opening in a few weeks, as will Papa John’s Pizza. Coming to Sequoia Station is Pier 1 Imports (opening in early 2012), and Barone’s Wood Fire Pizza (next to Young’s Ice Cream).
On a much quieter front, a number of new tech businesses have moved-in, or started in Redwood City. These employers enjoy the access to CalTrain, the wide-variety of dining and entertainment opportunities for staff, and soon, nearby housing.
Finally, congratulations to Eric and Lori Lochtefeld, the owners of the Fox Theatre. Last month, they celebrated their one-year anniversary with their 100th event at the Fox. Where else could you hear the music of Michael Jackson (Foreverland was the featured band for the Friday night concert), followed by the music of Chicago (the Chicago Transit Authority was the opening act for the evening at the Fox), and then concluding with the music of Neil Diamond (Super Diamond). All of this in Redwood City!
— Jeff Gee, Redwood City Councilperson