Hayward city officials are looking to put together a new ordinance to improve the look of the Mission Boulevard corridor.

“Now that we have Mission Boulevard, and can define what that corridor can look like—I approach this as a very radical shift from this point forward,” said Councilmember Mark Salinas.

Slip lanes separate from the main road with diagonal parking are planned to attract new businesses to the region, as well as rezoning for commercial property.  A rear thoroughfare behind businesses that is parallel to Mission Boulevard will also be expanded to provide easy access to delivery trucks and private parking.

“These slip lanes will probably alleviate the issue of “no parking” zones and improve accessibility,” said Councilmember Barbara Halliday.

“Commercial zoning will be a discretionary process,” said Development Services Director David Rizk.  The overlays will not define zones, except to prohibit ground floor residential zones, which require conditional use permits on a case-by-case basis, he said.

The Mission Boulevard Corridor Specific Plan is a long-term vision for development and redevelopment in the eastern region of Hayward.  The area includes approximately 600 properties along two separate portions of the northern segment of Mission Boulevard from Harder Road to the northern city limit. This excludes the downtown, according to the city’s website.  This process started in 2009, with the plan slated for implementation over the coming decades.

“We’re really defining this corridor, hoping to attract good retail,” said Salinas.  “In the past, we had…not necessarily the best retail.”

There will be guidelines for what type of businesses will be prohibited or allowed, as the council will be able to “apply scrutiny.”

The council discussed the issue of eminent domain, as certain private residences along the corridor may be rezoned for commercial property.

“It’s not likely we use eminent domain to acquire those properties,” said Halliday.  She discussed the possibility of negotiating with property owners.

“We may use eminent domain, or property developers may be willing to dedicate land [for homeowners],” said Maureen Connelly, from the City Attorney Department.  “The process isn’t set in stone – it’s premature to speculate on what the commercial developments will be.”

The hearing was turned over to public comment. A representative from Chrysler Group Realty expressed concerns over their property on the corridor.  The rezoning could lower property value in the region, and is no guarantee for economic growth, she said.

“About 40 percent of our property could go towards land dedication with no funding mechanism for compensation,” she said. “We suggest sending the proposal back to staff with compensation added, or remove the land dedication.”

Edward Kim of Kim Pacific Martial Arts Supply, located along Mission Boulevard, expressed similar concerns.

“As property owners, we see this as inverse condemnation,” said Kim.  “We should be compensated fairly [if forced to sell].”  Kim also questioned the need for improving Mission Boulevard, stating ample street and private parking is available.

“Why burden us with slip lanes? I’m a little confused as to where this parking issue exists.” said Kim.

Another owner complained the changes on the south side of the corridor could impinge on his property, potentially taking up half of his showroom.  He accused the council of attempting to remove all automobile dealerships from Mission Boulevard.

“Improvements are up to the property line, but shouldn’t encroach on private property,” said Rizk.

The ordinance for the south section of the Mission Boulevard corridor was motioned by Councilmember Francisco Zermeno, and seconded by Councilmember Al Mendall.  It passed unanimously.  The north side proposal was motioned by Zermeno, and seconded by Halliday.  It passed with five ayes, with Councilmembers Greg Jones and Salinas absent as their living near the north side represented a conflict of interest.