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Council hears updates on Dillinger's food-hall renovation and Saputo property concerns
Summary
Councilmember Lisa Pauley Lefebvre urged that the Saputo site eventually return to the tax rolls; Redevelopment Authority and staff updated the council that the Dillinger's food-hall renovation is nearly complete and that the city is seeking a manager and vendor operators for the space.
During public comment, Lisa Pauley Lefebvre asked the council to consider returning the former Saputo property to the tax rolls when redevelopment opportunities arise rather than expanding park maintenance. "At some point near or far, the property should be looked at as becoming no longer a tax burden, but a tax relief," she said.
Later in the community development presentation, Redevelopment Authority and staff updated council members on the former Dillinger's building renovation. Councilmember Moore said the building is "about 95 plus percent renovated" and described plans for a main-floor food hall with seven vendor stalls, an upstairs dining area and outdoor seating. Moore and the director said the city is seeking a contracted manager to recruit and oversee vendors and that utilities remain an ongoing operating cost until the hall is occupied. Council members raised concerns from local restaurant owners about competition; Moore said the city expects the venue to act as a small-scale public market and business incubator rather than a full-service restaurant competitor.
The council asked for an on-site walkthrough; staff said they plan to invite members to view the renovated space in the coming weeks and will continue seeking a manager to operate the venue.
