body,date,page,text,path
CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities,2011-03-28,1,"APPROVED
COMMISSION ON DISABILITY ISSUES
MEETING MINUTES OF
March 28, 2011
1.
ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 6:43 P.M.
Present: Chair Krongold, Vice-Chair Harp, Commissioners Deutsch, Fort, Kirola, Lord-
Hausman and Warren.
Absent: Commissioners Moore and Tam.
2.
MINUTES
2-A.
The minutes were approved with corrections.
3.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS/NON-AGENDA (PUBLIC COMMENT)
None.
4.
NEW BUSINESS
4-A.
Annual Statements of Economic Interest Form 700 (Secretary Akil):
Secretary Akil distributed the Conflict of Interest forms and all CDI members completed the
forms.
5.
OLD BUSINESS
5-A.
CDI Vision Planning (Chair Krongold):
Continued discussion of future events.
Banner:
Chair Krongold confirmed that the banner dates are secured.
CDI Resource Fair
Chair Krongold confirmed first Work Group meeting was March 23rd with
Commissioner Deutsch and Warren in attendance as well as Anne Steiner, Susan
Mitchell, AUSD, and College of Alameda Representatives. Chair Krongold read
the minutes from the first work group meeting. The event will be held on a
Saturday (vrs. a weekday), between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. The Work Group
wishes to have the event at the gymnasium at College of Alameda. Next meeting
is April 27th at 6:30 PM. The CDI suggests having the fair the first weekend in
November since October is full. Secretary Akil stated she would meet with the
Acting City Attorney to discuss CDI budget. Chair Krongold will email work
group minutes to the CDI.",CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities/2011-03-28.pdf
CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities,2011-03-28,2,"Commission on Disability Issues
March 28,2011
Page 2 of 3
Film/Art Exhibit: October 6, 2011
Commissioner Warren confirmed that there will be two films for the event. The
working title for the event is ""An Evening of Art"". Ann Steiner offered to include
one of her films for the event. Commissioner Warren will discuss whether or not
the art exhibit will be limited to Alamedans only.
April 5th City Council Meeting:
Chair Krongold stated that the Autism Awareness Month Proclamation is
finalized and that Jodi Moore would accept it on behalf of the CDI.
April 9th Film Event:
Chair Krongold stated that the film event will be at the library and is co-
sponsored with the Alameda Multi-Cultural Center. The films will be about
Autism and one of them ""Temple Grandson"" Chair Krongold will email flier to
the CDI.
5-B.
City Council Meeting Report (Commissioner Fort):
Report on issues of relevance from biweekly Council meeting.
Commissioner Fort stated that Gail Payne's report re: Paratransit and Taxi Service was
approved at the March 15th City Council Meeting. All modifications including time and
shuttle changes were approved.
6.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
6-A.
Secretary Akil confirmed that a doorbell will be installed at the Alameda Fire Department's
main facility soon.
6-B.
Secretary Akil reviewed an email from a concerned citizen regarding sandwich board signs
on Webster Street, which is on the joint 3/28/11 Planning Board/Economic Development
Commission Meeting Agenda.
Commissioner Lord-Hausman suggested a letter be written to the Chair of the Planning
Board regarding the issue.
Secretary Akil will add Planning Board to the Agenda.
7.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
7-A.
Chair Krongold stated that the College of Alameda Transition Faire happened two weeks
ago; Commissioner Kirola attended the fair and stated that people who lived outside of
Alameda requested information and resources.",CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities/2011-03-28.pdf
CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities,2011-03-28,3,"Commission on Disability Issues
March 28, 2011
Page 3 of 3
Chair Krongold, who also attended the Faire, stated that she met Scott Means, a
representative from the Miracle League, and suggested that Roberta Rockwell present at a
CDI meeting.
7-B.
Chair Krongold attended the Mastick Senior Center Advisory Board meeting to deliver the
Commission's PowerPoint and the presentation was well received.
Commissioner Lord-Hausman suggested presenting to the Planning Board. Secretary Akil
will follow-up with staff regarding a CDI presentation.
7-C. Chair Krongold and Commissioner Lord-Hausman stated that they met with the Mayor to
discuss the accomplishments and future plans for the Commission on Disability Issues.
8.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. The next scheduled meeting is Monday, April 25, 2011
at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
a Abil
Lucretia Akil
Board Secretary",CommissiononPersonswithDisabilities/2011-03-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2011-03-28,1,"APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY OF ALAMEDA PLANNING BOARD
MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2011
7: 00 p.m.
Otaez Mexican Restaurant
1619 Webster Street, Upstairs
Alameda, California
1. CONVENE:
7:00 p.m.
2. FLAG SALUTE:
None
3. ROLL CALL:
Present: President Ezzy Ashcraft, Vice-President Autorino, Board
members Kohlstrand, Wallis, and Zuppan.
Absent: Board members Ibsen and Lynch
4. MINUTES:
Minutes from the Regular meeting of February 28, 2011 (Pending)
Minutes from the Regular meeting of March 14, 2011 (Pending)
5. AGENDA CHANGES AND DISCUSSION:
None
6. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS:
Written Report
6-A Future Agendas
6-B Zoning Administrator Report
Meeting of 3/15/2011
1533 Webster Street-Salon-Continued to 3-28-11 Planning Board Meeting
1509 Webster Street-Salon-Continued to 3-28-11 Planning Board Meeting
7.ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
*Anyone may address the Board on a topic not on the agenda under this item by
submitting a speaker's information slip, subject to the 5-minute time limit.
Kathy Nielsen thanked President Ezzy Ashcraft and Vice President Autorino.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Consent Calendar items are considered routine and will be enacted, approved or
adopted by one motion unless a request for removal for discussion or explanation is
received from the Planning Board or a member of the public by submitting a speaker
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
1 of 9
PLANNING BOARD 3/28/2011",PlanningBoard/2011-03-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2011-03-28,2,"slip for that item.
None
9. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
9-A PLN11-0023 - 1533 Webster Street - Qingyi Huang. Proposed beauty salon,
including retail and massage, within an existing 5,000 square foot commercial space.
The proposed business would include approximately 17 stations and four wax and
facial rooms. The proposed hours of operation are 9 am to 8 pm.
Brian Stanke, Planner, gave an overview of the application. He stated that the
applicant has run a salon in the Marina Village Shopping Center for over eight years
and has an established clientele. The item was originally brought to the Zoning
Administrator for a hearing, but just before the hearing a petition was presented with
the signatures of 48 business owners, workers, and residents along Webster Street
opposed to the project At the hearing several residents and business people spoke
against the proposed beauty salon and called for a moratorium on new beauty salons
along Webster Street. The Zoning Administrator found that the project was a matter of
general public concern and that a question of city policy was being raised by those
opposed to the project. Therefore the Zoning Administrator referred the application to
the Planning Board.
The Planning Board then passed a motion to hear both of the items together due to
the similarities of the applications. It was also moved to combine the public speaker's
once the items are discussed.
9-B PLN11-0034 - 1509 Webster Street - Ling & Eddie Siu. Proposed hairstyling and
beauty salon within an existing 1,250 square foot commercial space. The proposed
business would include approximately six stations and the proposed hours of
operation would be 9 am to 8 pm.
Mr. Stanke gave an overview of the application. He stated that the proposed Use
Permit would permit the applicants, Ling Siu and Eddie Siu, to relocate there existing
beauty Salon business from Oakland's Chinatown to Webster Street in Alameda to a
space that is currently vacant. The Sius have run their beauty salon at its current
location, for over ten years and have an established clientele. Mr. Stanke mentioned
that the Webster Street Commercial District currently has approximately 14 vacant
commercial spaces. Multiple empty storefronts do have a deleterious effect on a
business district. Vacant store fronts reduce the number of people visiting the
shopping area and patronizing existing stores. From staff's perspective, filling vacant
storefronts is essential to maintaining the vitality of a business district.
The motion was made and moved to open the Public Hearing on both items and
shorten the speaker time to 3 minutes.
President Ezzy Ashcraft opened the public comment period.
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
2 of 9
PLANNING BOARD 3/28/2011",PlanningBoard/2011-03-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2011-03-28,3,"Louise Vigna, neighbor, spoke against the Use Permit stating that there were too
many salons on the street already
Dick Denton, business owner, spoke against the Use Permit stating concern that the
new salons might take business away from existing salons.
Mario Mariani, resident, spoke in favor of the Use Permit stating that it is important to
bring new businesses to Webster Street.
Judi Friedman, WABA, spoke in favor of the Use Permit stating that the WABA Board
had carefully considered both applications.
Anita Ng, business owner, spoke against the Use Permit stating that there were too
many such businesses in the area.
Susan Grant, business owner, spoke against the Use Permit stating she would like to
see more diversity of businesses.
John Piziali, neighbor, spoke in favor of the Use Permit stating that quotas are not
appropriate and that the market will make the necessary adjustments.
President Ezzy Ashcraft closed the public comment period.
Board member Kohlstrand stated that there are compelling arguments for both sides.
She feels it is up to the economic market to decide if businesses will survive in a
certain district and not the Planning Board.
Board member Wallis stated that the Alameda Municipal Code (AMC) says the use is
a conditional use and the use is compatible with the area.
Board member Zuppan stated that she remembers when residents and business
owners were upset that Peets Coffee and Starbucks Coffee were coming on to Park
Street and there would be too many coffee houses. She mentioned that all of the
coffee houses are still operating.
Vice President Autorino stated that he was amazed at the amount of salons on
Webster Street and agrees that a more diverse business would be best but
unfortunately those businesses were not currently applying for permits and a salon
business would be better than an empty storefront.
President Ezzy Ashcraft stated that in reference to item 3 in the Draft Resolution, to
denying the Use Permit the Board must have evidence that ""The proposed use, if it
complies with all conditions upon which approval is made contingent, will not
adversely affect other property in the vicinity and will not have deleterious effects on
existing business districts or the local economy.""
The motion was made to approve the Use Permit for 1533 Webster Street by Board
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
3 of 9
PLANNING BOARD 3/28/2011",PlanningBoard/2011-03-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2011-03-28,4,"member Autorino and seconded by Board member Kohlstrand. The motion passed.
Approved 5-0
The motion was made to approve the Use Permit for 1509 Webster Street by Board
member Wallis and seconded by Board member Zuppan. The motion passed.
Approved 5-0
10. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
None
11. BOARD COMMUNICATIONS:
Board members may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement or make a
brief report on his or her activities. In addition, the Board may provide a referral to staff or
other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the body at a
subsequent meeting concerning a City matter or, through the chair, direct staff to place a
request to agendize a matter of business on a future agenda.
12. ADJOURNMENT:
8:04 p.m.
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE
CITY OF ALAMEDA PLANNING BOARD
AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MONDAY MARCH 28, 2011
7:01 p.m.
1. RECONVENE:
8:15 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL:
Planning Board
Present: President Ezzy Ashcraft, Vice-President Autorino,
Board members Kohlstrand, Wallis, and Zuppan.
Absent: Board members Ibsen and Lynch
Economic Development Commission
Absent: All Commission members
3. AGENDA CHANGES AND DISCUSSION:
None
4.ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
* Anyone may address the Board on a topic not on the agenda under this item by
submitting a speaker's information slip, subject to the 5-minute time limit.
None
5. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
4 of 9
PLANNING BOARD 3/28/2011",PlanningBoard/2011-03-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2011-03-28,5,"5-A
Webster Street Vision Book Implementation The Planning Board will consider the
Webster Street Vision Book and alternative implementation strategies and priorities
to revitalize the Webster Street Business District.
Mr. Thomas gave a brief recount of the original Webster Street Vision Book
presented in 2010. He stated that the attached vision plan is very similar to the 2010
version except that short sections of text have been added to describe the images
and concepts and an implementation check list or ""grocery list"" has been added at
the end of the document to assist the City and WABA manage implementation and
realization of the concepts and ideas in the Vision Plan.
Mr. Thomas mentioned that the City was not going to be spending much more time
or money on the Vision Plan due to the instability of the State of California
redevelopment funds and the City's General Fund. He stated that the ""Grocery List""
is a list of items or actions that are culled from the Vision Plan that would contribute
to the revitalization of Webster Street. Similar to a grocery list, the items are not
related to one another, accomplishing all of the items would be great, but
accomplishing any one of the items would also be good, and none of the items
require that one be accomplished before another.
Mr. Thomas recommended that WABA identify an existing WABA committee or
establish a new committee to oversee the implementation of the Vision Plan. The
committee could include representatives from the business community, the adjacent
neighborhoods, the Planning Board, and the Economic Development Commission.
Staff would not sit on the committee, but a City staff member should attend the
meetings to report on relevant city efforts related to the items on the Grocery List.
Mr. Thomas stated that although resources and funds for physical improvements are
limited, the WABA committee and City staff can be working to position Webster
Street to be better able to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. For
example, State and Federal grant opportunities may arise to fund major capital
improvements on Webster Street. He stated that to be competitive for these funds,
WABA and the City should do the work necessary to agree on what kinds of
improvements are necessary and appropriate and complete any necessary
discretionary approvals so that the proposed improvements are ""shovel-ready"" and
therefore more competitive for grant funding.
President Ezzy Ashcraft opened the public comment period.
Dr. Jannette Jackson, College of Alameda, spoke in favor of the Vision Plan.
Tony Daysog, neighbor, spoke in favor of the Vision Plan.
Christopher Buckley, Alameda Architectural Preservation Society, spoke in favor of
the Vision Plan.
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
5 of 9
PLANNING BOARD 3/28/2011",PlanningBoard/2011-03-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2011-03-28,6,"Karen Bey, neighbor, spoke in favor of the Vision Plan.
Jon Spangler, resident, spoke in favor of the Vision Plan.
President Ezzy Ashcraft closed the public comment period.
Board member Kohlstrand asked about the signage and the identification of the
different districts, the Gateway Section, Avenue Section, Main Street Section, and
Anchor Section. She also asked how the Alameda Trail, which will eventually
connect Alameda Point and the Fruitvale Bridge, connects with Willie Stargell
Avenue. She mentioned that the areas slated for the Park & Ride lots near the
Tubes seem like they will be hard for residents to access.
Mr. Thomas agreed that better signage would make easier for drivers to negotiate
the area. He mentioned that the City owns some land near the Tubes which are
being considered as the Park & Ride lots. The City is also looking at having a
""Bus Only"" lane entering the tube. He also stated that the City will not be able to
build any new bridges or tubes to service the traffic on and off the island.
Board member Wallis mentioned that as a resident of West Alameda he is very
excited about the Vision Plan. He asked if items on the ""Grocery List"" need to be
completed in any sort of order.
President Ezzy Ashcraft stated that there should be more connectivity between the
College of Alameda and Webster Street. She stated that a representative from the
College should be on the Webster Street Vision Implementation Committee. She
also stated that the intersection of Central Avenue and Webster Street does not
allow crossing on all four sides and it is very inconvenient and not pedestrian
friendly. She asked about a shuttle to take bicycles through the tube.
Mr. Thomas stated that the City of Alameda received a grant to provide a shuttle
for bicycles over the summer months. He also stated that nothing on the ""Grocery
List"" needs to be completed in any particular order.
Board member Kohlstrand recommended that Vice President Aurorino, and in his
absence Board member Zuppan represent the Planning Board on the Webster Street
Vision Implementation Committee. The Board members agreed.
5-B
Alameda Municipal Code (AMC) Text Amendments - Applicant - City of
Alameda. Three amendments to the AMC, Section 30, Development Regulations.
The first amendment would permit the use of portable free standing or A-frame signs
within the front two and one-half feet of a storefront within the Webster Street, C-C,
Community Commercial Zoning District subject to obtaining a City Encroachment
Permit. The second amendment would permit building heights to be increased to five
(5) stories with a maximum height of sixty (60) feet along the Westerly side of
Webster Street C-C, Zoning District, between Ralph Appezzato Parkway and Eagle
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
6 of 9
PLANNING BOARD 3/28/2011",PlanningBoard/2011-03-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2011-03-28,7,"Avenue and permits four (4) stories with a maximum height of fifty (50) feet between
Eagle Avenue and Buena Vista Avenue. The third amendment would permit a sixty
(60) foot non-habitable tower or monument at the South terminus of Webster Street.
Dennis Brighton, Planner, presented the proposed text amendments.
President Ezzy Ashcraft opened the public comment period.
Christopher Buckley, Alameda Architectural Preservation Society, spoke in favor of
the amendments.
Tony Daysog, neighbor, spoke in support of the amendments, but raised concerns
about the Sandwich Boards signs.
President Ezzy Ashcraft closed the public comment period.
Board member Zuppan stated that she likes the idea of the A-Frame signs but
warned that they can be very unattractive and would like the business owners to
obtain a sign permit prior to approval of the A-frame sign.
Board member Kohlstrand stated that she thinks that the A-frame signs should be
subject to the City of Alameda Sign Ordinance as well as obtain a City Encroachment
Permit.
Mr. Thomas stated that it could also be subject to West Alameda Business
Association (WABA) sign review and approval.
President Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is opposed to the A-frame signs and believes
they are a tripping hazard and visual pollution. She is in favor of outdoor seating and
merchandise display.
Board member Wallis is in favor of the outside merchandise display and the A-frame
signs stating that it gives the business owner the space to promote their merchandise
and interact with the shopping public.
Board member Kohlstrand made the motion to recommend approval of Zoning Text
Amendment to the Alameda Municipal Code to permit portable free-standing signs
within the Webster Street C-C, Community Commercial Zoning District subject to a
City Encroachment Permit. Board member Zuppan seconded. The motion failed to
pass 3-2.
Board member Kohlstrand made the motion to recommend approval of Zoning Text
Amendments to the Alameda Municipal Code to permit building heights to be
increased to five stories with a maximum height of sixty feet within the Webster
Street C-C, Community Commercial Zoning District along the westerly side of
Webster Street between Ralph Appezzato Parkway and Eagle Avenue, and permit a
tower monument of up to 60 feet at the southerly terminus of Webster Street. Board
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
7 of 9
PLANNING BOARD 3/28/2011",PlanningBoard/2011-03-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2011-03-28,8,"member Zuppan seconded. The motion passed 5-0.
5-C
Catellus/Alameda Landing Project Update A presentation and update on the
planned Alameda Landing Project.
Mr. Thomas reported that early in 2011, Catellus approached the City to initiate
discussions regarding possible adjustments to the package of entitlements to
facilitate redevelopment of the property and improve the project. Catellus is
currently pursuing an agreement with Target stores to bring Target to Alameda. He
stated that to be successful, Catellus believes that certain changes to the previous
agreements and approvals may be necessary. Any changes to the previous
entitlements and approvals would need to be reviewed and approved by the Planning
Board and the City Council. To accommodate Target's schedule, Catellus has
informed the City that the review and final actions by the Planning Board and City
Council would need to be completed by the end of this calendar year.
He mentioned that although Catellus has not submitted an application to modify any
of the former entitlements yet, staff requested that Catellus give the Planning Board
and the West Alameda community an opportunity to review and comment on the
current entitlements and plans in preparation for future community discussions about
potential amendments.
He reported that the previous entitlements and agreements allow for up to 300,000
square feet of retail use, 300 residential units, and 400,000 square feet of office
space on the 77 acre site. The 2008 Design Review approval for the first phase of
the project included a 250,000 square foot retail center located between Stargell
Avenue and a future extension of Mitchell Avenue. Shortly after the final action by
the Planning Board to approve the design review application, economic conditions
changed, and Catellus was unable to secure adequate tenant commitments to
pursue the project. However, the City of Alameda and Catellus were able to
complete the Stargell Extension project in 2010, which provides the primary gateway
into the future project. Mr. Thomas stated that the City and Catellus are looking for
feedback from the Planning Board and Community to ensure that the project is done
correctly and not just rush through the process.
Sean Waskerman of Catellus stated that they are very pleased with how Stargell
Avenue turned out. They are working on the retail piece, talking with Target. He
stated that Target wants to come to Alameda. He stated the changes since the
entitlement mentioning the Density Bonus Ordinance which could possibly activate a
higher residential density. He mentioned that the office market is currently extremely
weak. It is very hard to predict when the office market will recover to the point where
demand will support construction of new office buildings and the adjacent public
waterfront areas.
President Ezzy Ashcraft opened the public comment period.
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
8 of 9
PLANNING BOARD 3/28/2011",PlanningBoard/2011-03-28.pdf
PlanningBoard,2011-03-28,9,"Jon Spangler, resident, spoke regarding the project stating that he hoped the
previous agreements on bicycle access would be honored.
Tony Daysog, neighbor, spoke regarding the project stating he felt it would be a
benefit for West Alameda.
Karen Bey, neighbor, spoke regarding the project stating her she would like to see a
good mix of retail businesses.
Mi'Chelle Fredrick, neighbor, spoke regarding the project stating that it sounded
exciting but she is concerned about ""Big Box"" stores.
Robert Rayburn, Bart Board Member, spoke in favor of the project.
Board member Zuppan asked how the possible changes in the redevelopment
dollars available will affect the Alameda Landing project.
Mr. Thomas stated that the that the City has made commitments to projects to give
them redevelopment funds and if the funds are not available it could potentially affect
the projects.
Board member Kohlstrand stated that three items need to be addressed, maintaining
the connection to the water, providing mixed use, and a pattern of development.
Vice President Autorino stated that he would like to see these projects get started
and stressed the need to move forward on the West End redevelopment.
President Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is excited to see this project back, but would
like to see the area more walkable to try and get people out of their automobiles.
She would also like to see a wharf and more access to the water.
6.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
None
7.
BOARD COMMUNICATIONS:
Board members may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement or make a
brief report on his or her activities. In addition, the Board may provide a referral to staff or
other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the body at a
subsequent meeting concerning a City matter or, through the chair, direct staff to place a
request to agendize a matter of business on a future agenda.
None
8.
ADJOURNMENT:
10:00 p.m.
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
9 of 9
PLANNING BOARD 3/28/2011",PlanningBoard/2011-03-28.pdf