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Vallejo City Council June 24, 2008
Touro Touted
In for a Buck
(Lennar Slammed)
By Marc Garman June 25, 2008
Last night the Touro Mare Island Cancer Treatment Center Development Agreement was approved by a unanimous vote of the City Council (Michael Wilson recused). While numerous questions were raised,the overall mood bordered on jubilant.
Bruce Lang, the CEO of Touro Mare Island Development as well as Dick Hassell the Vice President of Touro University California and several other members of the Touro team spoke to the public about issues regarding the project--the first of its kind in this country. Touro also plans to build the project in accordance with a LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) Platinum Certification. This is the highest standard for "green" building and a laudable goal.
Video commentary from Bruce Lang, CEO Touro Mare Island Development:
Apparently, because the Cancer Center site is located on an area subject to liquefaction in a seismic event, the building will have to sit on pilings driven 88 feet into the ground. Touro will also have to demolish 17 buildings before construction can begin. The overall cost for the project is expected to be $300 million. Phase 1, starting presently will be the treatment facility itself. Phase 2 of the project will include a "University Village" that will house restaurants and shops.
In contrast to the cost of development is the sale price of the land : $1.00. While this may cause some to flinch because of other similar deals in Vallejo's past, the low price tag seems justified in this case. The high cost of building for seismic issues, and the cost of demolition on the part of Touro was sighted. Also considered is the likelihood that the Touro project will serve as a catalyst to bring in biotech and other business activity and the associated revenue. Touro has additionally agreed to pay property taxes they would not normally be required to pay as a non-profit. The tax revenue to the city will certainly be the start of a revenue stream that will grow well into Vallejo's future.
Councilmember Stephanie Gomes peppered the Touro representatives with a series of questions eliciting groans from a few in the audience. She explained her commitment to thoroughness in examining the deal and her determination to always protect the interests of the citizens. Gomes suggested several small changes to the agreement. Considering some of the situations we have gotten into as a city, you can only admire such attention to detail. She also emphasized her enthusiasm for the project as did the rest of the council.
Gomes also brought up the fact that there is no design review board of any sort overseeing the architectural merits of the Touro structure stating, "The public should have an opportunity to see this design and give input." Bruce Lang indicated that Touro would be entirely willing to participate in a design review process.
Councilmember Tom Bartee raised the issue of preserving rail service on Mare Island. Bartee referred to rail service as a "future asset" and cited a wine distributor who warehouses their inventory on the island and ships 30% by rail.
The unanimous vote approving the project was met with a round of applause from the citizens present in the audience.
Lennar Slammed
Link to Environmenmental Justice Advocacy website:http://www.franciscodacosta.com/
Video from Francisco Da Costa of Environmental Justice Advocacy--and Jason Keadjian of Lennar.
Da Costa also urged the City Council to reconsider the decision to place the Touro Cancer Center on Mare Island and seek a more "holistic" location. Other Bits
The vote on redirecting $400,000 from the Flosden Redevelopment District to the downtown was continued until today's special session as was the vote on the City of Vallejo Budget.
The council also voted unanimously (Wilson recused) to place leins and levy fines on properties with unpaid garbage bills.
Quotations and Annotations
"I wish we had the cameras in the room that we had for bankruptcy." Mayor Osby Davis regarding the Touro project "It is my distinct honor to offer the resolution." Councilmember Joanne Schivley offering the Touro Project resolution "Design Review Board is an excellent addition." Councilmember Hannigan supports Councilmember Gomes' suggestion "I look forward to seeing all the Vallejo residents on the list of labor." Councilmember Hannigan re: Touro pledge to use local and union labor
"You just wait, Vallejo is going to be one of the most desirable cities in the Bay Area." Mayor Osby Davis "This is a great day for Vallejo." Councilmember Tom Bartee
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