News Digest News Digest (September 17, 2004)

Lytton Plaza rebuild to be studied

The Palo Alto City Council agreed on Monday night to study the costs and options for redeveloping Lytton Plaza, a "seedy" public square in downtown, according to Councilwoman Dena Mossar.

A local real estate developer, Roxy Rapp, and former mayor Le Levy have offered to pay half of a $500,000 plan to build a water fountain and new seating for the plaza. Mossar and Mayor Bern Beecham brought the proposal to the council.

Councilwoman Hillary Freeman voted against studying the idea, worrying that the "gift horse" was actually a "Trojan Horse." Rapp's brother-in-law owns the adjacent Pizza-My-Heart and Freeman worried he would benefit unfairly from Lytton Plaza's redevelopment.

Councilwoman LaDoris Cordell also voted against studying the project, feeling there are more important projects the city could spend its time studying.

The developer's were extremely controversial last month because their plan conflicts with the city's Public Art Commission's idea for the square. The commision wants to place an egg-shaped sculpture in Lytton Plaza. The developer's plan would likely leave little room for the modern artwork, which was destroyed in a fire earlier this year. The sculpture is now being rebuilt. --Bill D'Agostino
Rezoning of auto dealers before City Council

Every morning, the speakers of the catering truck in front of the Park Avenue Motors auto dealers blasts a rousing rendition of "Reveille."

So it's understandable why Linda and Joaquin Levya are not excited that the Palo Alto City Council will consider granting special zoning rights to the auto dealer on Monday night. The couple lives next-door to the dealer, and wrote a letter to the elected officials expressing concern about the changes, and the catering truck, on Aug. 9.

The council will consider granting eight auto dealers flexible zoning rules on Monday night, part of an effort to keep the struggling shops in the city. The new zoning would allow the dealers to have more signs, parking, lighting and square footage.

During the past few years, two auto dealers have left Palo Alto, and others have been rumored to be looking at space in more business-friendly cities. The dealers are one of the largest sources of sales tax for the city.

The council meeting begins at 7 p.m. inside the City Council Chambers of City Hall (250 Hamilton Ave.). --Bill D'Agostino
BID executive director resigned

Only six weeks into her employment, the first executive director of downtown Palo Alto's Business Improvement District resigned. Rebecca Grimes left to pursue "other opportunities," according to BID board member Victoria Lukanovich.

"You do what you can," Lukanovich said. "Sometimes things work, and sometimes they don't."

A new executive director, Susan Hemmenway, has already been hired. She is a long-time Palo Alto resident and owner of Graphic Lab.

Working with downtown businesses, the City Council formed the BID last year to raise money for Palo Alto's downtown beautification and development. It charges all businesses an annual fee.

Last month, the BID hosted a weekly "Dine Downtown" event on Monday nights, that reportedly drew record customers to local restaurants offering special menus.

At the end of this month, the BID is launching a Web site, www.paloaltodowntown.com. It will feature a business directory, among other things. --Bill D'Agostino

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