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Santa Clara Leaders Approve Negotiations For Retail Hub Near Stadium

SANTA CLARA (KCBS) – A huge mixed-use project is taking shape and could take root next to the new 49ers stadium in Santa Clara.

The Santa Clara City Council on Tuesday night agreed to enter into exclusive negotiations with developer Related California. The company wants to create a 230 acre destination spot, which would feature shops, restaurants, entertainment and housing, a much larger version of San Jose's Santana Row.

Santa Clara Leaders Approve Negotiations For Retail Hub Near Stadium

Related California President Bill Witte said the company is looking to work with city leaders and members of the community in exploring all options for the site.

"We will be working closely with the city and the community, but it's on our nickel," Witte said. "And it should be."

The exclusive negotiating window with Related California could last up to 30 months.

Although many residents expressed excitement over the possibilities for a new development, Santa Clara City Councilwoman Patricia Mahan said she still has some concerns, especially about what will happen to a golf course, BMX track and other entities already on the projected site.

"They'll either have to be replaced on site or placed elsewhere," Mahan said. "Because I think like most Santa Clarans, these are pretty essential services that we wouldn't want to lose."

Even with those concerns, Mahan agreed with the rest of her colleagues in approving the start of negotiations.

Just the planning phase for the massive project could take up to four years.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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