As the Economic Development Manager of the City of San Carlos, I have conducted several meetings during the first week of April for the East Side business community. The purpose of the meetings were to:

• describe to you the City’s economic development efforts,
• discuss and identify potential areas on the East Side where mid- to large-plate retail or hotel uses could be located,
• ascertain your interest in participating in retail or hotel development, and
• provide a forum to hear and understand any concerns you may have with potential redevelopment of East Side properties for retail and hotel use.

In July 2007, the City adopted an Economic Development Plan (“ED Plan”) to guide City initiatives to improve the business climate, enhance municipal revenues and remove impediments to business development and growth. One of the ED Plan objectives is to recruit mid- to large-plate retail to the East Side. The City Council requested the Community Development Department to identify commercial sites on the east side for strategic marketing based on location, zoning, availability, owner interest and other redevelopment criteria.

The City is preparing an “East Side Economic Development Opportunities” book to provide commercial developers, brokers and retailers key information that could focus and direct development interest, facilitate site assembly and promote the City’s East Side as a prime location for regional retail or hotel development. City staff is seeking to engage property owners and businesses to get your feedback on the book and the potential for retail and hotel development before the information is made available to developers, brokers and retailers.

Thank you,

Mark Sawicki

Economic Development and Housing Manager

msawicki@cityofsancarlos.org

(650) 802-4220