Don't lose focus over theater dispute

Instead of worrying about how much business the Century Park 12 movie complex may be drawing away from downtown, Redwood City officials should focus on making the city's revitalized hub a better experience for ...

[Rachel RWC]

During the planning stages of the downtown theatre complex, the Syufys made a presentation to the RWC Council. THE SYUFYS TESTIFIED THAT THE DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION WOULD BE SUCCESSFUL IF THE THEATRE PLAYED BLOCKBUSTER MOVIES THAT BROUGHT IN CUSTOMERS. They also presented that this would not be a problem as the downtown theatre would be the only cinema within 10 miles after the Century 12 closed.

The Syufys know exactly what they are doing and they are the problem here. While the city has made mistakes with the parking and street changes around the complex, the Syufys are criminals and are holding the success of our downtown ransom by keeping the old theatre open. The old theatre is smelly and the seats always cut me or leave gum on my clothes.

I want the Century 12 closed now as it is an embarassment and every day it stays open is a disservice to the community.

Boycott Century 12!!

[Jack Kirkpatrick]

There is nothing criminal or civilly wrong in Stufy staying right where they are. They have a business licence. I suggest that its customers act civilly and clean up after themselves if gum was placed on seats -- it reminds me that some customers are the screw-ups whether at a theater or Fresh Choice where parents let their children throw food all over the floor and expected the hired help pick up after them! The downtown theater will never be a cash cow or very successful or if they are, the local businesses will not get the left over discretionary money for food.

[citizen of redwood city]

Why are there so many empty shops in downtown redwood city. where is the sports bar the brewery, the nightclub...the redwood city planning commission is a pack of clowns... I went to a community meeting and it was a complete joke of civil servants servicing their egos and their careers, absolutely no regards to the beauty or success of redwood city...after that meeting I knew why there are empty storeshops in redwood city.

[bssplitter]

Rachel RWC wrote:

During the planning stages of the downtown theatre complex, the Syufys made a presentation to the RWC Council. THE SYUFYS TESTIFIED THAT THE DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION WOULD BE SUCCESSFUL IF THE THEATRE PLAYED BLOCKBUSTER MOVIES THAT BROUGHT IN CUSTOMERS. They also presented that this would not be a problem as the downtown theatre would be the only cinema within 10 miles after the Century 12 closed.
The Syufys know exactly what they are doing and they are the problem here. While the city has made mistakes with the parking and street changes around the complex, the Syufys are criminals and are holding the success of our downtown ransom by keeping the old theatre open. The old theatre is smelly and the seats always cut me or leave gum on my clothes.
I want the Century 12 closed now as it is an embarassment and every day it stays open is a disservice to the community.
Boycott Century 12!!

I share your feelings about the Syufys, they have consistently refused to be a part of this community since the Century 12 opened years ago. Even in the local chamber of commerce they are spoken of with contempt. However, this begs the question as to why the RWC council and then city manager Ed Everett got snookered into giving the Syufys the new Cineplex deal without making it part of the contract that they close the Century 12. This is a mindblowing oversight for which Everett and the council should be held accountable.

[Rachel RWC]

JK - As usual, you miss the point completely.

My comments are directed at the editorial which sums up its position as, "Until the impasse is ended, we hope city officials will concentrate on making downtown an even livelier place, the kind of destination that can compete with the Century Park 12."

The success of the downtown area depends completely on the theatre bringing people in to the area. The Syufys know this and are holding this town's success ransom by keeping the Century 12 complex open.

While the Syufys can't be charged with anything, our town is clearly suffering because of their actions.

Your "it's nothing person, just business" attitude is what is wrong with this country. Take a walk.

[Jack Kirkpatrick]

The impasse would have been ended a long time ago if our politicians wanted it to. This is all about politicians waiting it out and maybe it will resolve itself. Waiting out isn't proactive government when we are so far into the redevelopment program. It is the characteristic of their game here!

Another government parable is affordable housing - the city and the county would have affordable housing if they wanted it. Let's face it, waiting is our government's mantra! It is also very expensive. Affordable housing have many costly risks and we like to ensure our new neighbors will not lower our standard of living...! Most poorer people are law abiding, but there is also an element that gravitate and then you have places like the SF's Sunnydale projects and that scares everyone whether it materializes or not.

Costs are why we do not have social security and immigration reform or have failed to pass national health care.... All entitlements are very costly!

I would be willing to say the revenue generated at Stufy's to RWC would be greater than the money generated at Century 12 in the short term and the long term and our politicians know that. The theater was an anchor to get other redevelopment options passed.

I don't think I am missing the point, but I understand your view. Politicians are often pragmatic -- what is doable and a willingness to move money around to fund other projects. Chump change is earmarks to important legislation and that often is because we can't afford our current entitlements or the projected national health care.

The war in Iraq didn't relegate national health care or up tick reform. We are diverted by many forces internationally and our politicians choose those decisions because they are not ready to commit to reforms. Politicians love diversions and Stufy and Century 12 are not the problem!

[Maggie RWC]

Why can't the city get it's act together???
It was wrong from the beginning with the parking situation.
They are not doing their businesses any favors with it's shenanigans. It's not the theater issue that's the problem, it's the council's GREED.
Palo Alto and Menlo Park have 2 hours free parking during the day. DUH!
Council, THINK AGAIN!

[DUH]

Maggie RWC wrote:

Why can't the city get it's act together???
It was wrong from the beginning with the parking situation.
They are not doing their businesses any favors with it's shenanigans. It's not the theater issue that's the problem, it's the council's GREED.
Palo Alto and Menlo Park have 2 hours free parking during the day. DUH!
Council, THINK AGAIN!

well for one thing they dont have a multiplex downtown. Second point, what good would two free hours do. You are gling to be there longer than that and would most likely get a ticket if you parked in a 2 hr free zone, duhhhhhh