JOHN GELUARDI, TIMES STAFF WRITER
March 5, 2006
State and local officials are promoting Richmond as the perfect place for new environmentally friendly businesses.
The California Public Employees' Retirement System and the California State Teachers' Retirement System have set aside $1.5 billion to invest in fledgling "clean" businesses -- and Richmond officials want some of them to make this city their home.
There are many reasons why new technology companies in businesses such as renewable energy production, waste recycling and fuel cell manufacturing should seriously consider coming to Richmond, said Mayor Irma Anderson.
"We have available parcels of land and convenient transportation access via rail, road and water," she said. "We are in close proximity to other major Bay Area cities, top-notch universities and research institutions. Most importantly, we are willing to expedite the development of these industries."
The historic Ford Assembly Plant is a good example of the sites the city has to offer.
Now called Ford Point, the 517,000-square-foot building is located on the waterfront with great views of San Francisco and the Bay. Orton Development is still remodeling the building, but is accepting lease applications for office, light industrial, restaurant and retail space.
The location could benefit from plans to build a ferry terminal next to the old assembly plant.
"The site has been largely vacant since 1955 and now it's going to be Richmond's version of San Francisco's Ferry Building," said Eddie Orton, president of Orton Development.
At a symposium held in Richmond City Hall last week, more than 120 business owners, developers and investment managers, heard presentations by state Treasurer Phil Angelides, Anderson and Assemblywoman Loni Hancock. The three promoted Richmond as an excellent centralized hub for clean businesses.
"We held the symposium here because it is important Richmond participate in this new economy," Angelides said. "A win in Richmond is a win for the state as a whole."
In fact, Richmond is planning large office, commercial and light manufacturing space along the waterfront and the Richmond Parkway, said Community and Economic Development Director Steve Duran.
Other available commercial and retail sites along the shoreline include Anchor Cove, which has 48,000 square feet of commercial space, The Cannery on Harbour Way, a historic building that once renovated will have 70,000 square feet of available space, and undeveloped property adjacent to DiCon Fiber Optics on Marina Way South, which is zoned for 445,000 square feet of office and laboratory space.
All of these sites are in a state enterprise zone, which offers special tax incentives to eligible businesses. They are also close to several proposed residential developments that are designed to be affordable to young professionals.
Richard McCombs, president of MBA Polymers, said Richmond is a great place to do business. MBA Polymers employs 100 people and recycles millions of pounds of plastics each month from old computers, appliances and automobiles.
"City government has been very supportive of us," McCombs said. "And the location is good for our employees because we hire as many Richmond residents as possible and it's well situated for business because we have access to shipping and freeways for trucks."
Richmond has had more than its fair share of troubles in recent years. Certain neighborhoods continue to struggle against violent crime and just two years ago the city was reeling from a $35 million budget deficit. But city officials are confident that the city is about to embark on a new era of economic prosperity.
"Richmond is on the brink of a renaissance and clean technology and a healthy city are very important to all of us," Anderson said. "This is a new beginning."
Contact John Geluardi at 510-262-2787 or at jgeluardi@cctimes.com
Copyright (c) 2006 Contra Costa Times.