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PlanningBoard,2013-06-10,1,"APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY OF ALAMEDA PLANNING BOARD
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2013
1. CONVENE:
7:03 p.m.
2. FLAG SALUTE:
Board member Knox White
3. ROLL CALL:
President Burton, Vice President Henneberry, Board members
Knox White, Köster, Alvarez-Morroni and Tang.
Absent - Board members Zuppan.
4. AGENDA CHANGES AND DISCUSSION: None
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: No items on Consent
7. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
7.A.
Design Review Application PLN13-0060 and PLN13-0061 Applicant:
TriPointe Homes and Catellus Design Review application for nine (9) Multifamily
Buildings on 5th Street as part of the Alameda Landing Residential Project.
Mr. Andrew Thomas, City Planner, provided a briefing on the project.
President Burton opened the meeting to public comment.
Christopher Buckley, spoke on comments from the May 13th meeting that windows were
not on the rendering. He commented on stucco issues, and he further commented on
window type and color.
Jon Spangler, started by commending Mr. Buckley for the attention to detail. He spoke on
the colors of the buildings stating they should be more Mediterranean.
President Burton closed the meeting to public comment.
Board member Köster asked for staff to address the questions. He further asked if
industrial type windows could be an option. He likes the new sweeping curve in design, but
wondered how far it extruded.
Mr. Thomas addressed the comments and mentioned that this will be coming back to the
Board. He stated the design professionals do not have an answer regarding the curve
design, but it will probably be a couple of feet difference.
Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
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PlanningBoard,2013-06-10,2,"Board member Knox White stated he likes all the changes that have been incorporated,
but he wanted to edit the Resolution regarding the small wall between sidewalk and
building.
Board member Alvarez-Morroni thanked TriPointe for the changes. She asked about the
elevation on the single family units, and stated the color palate looks a little dark.
Board member Tang stated overall the plans look good. He asked about the trees in the
presentation and is there more planting in the plan. He further asked about bike racks.
Mr. Thomas stated there will be more planting. He commented that bike racks are in the
public access areas and all units have two car garages.
Vice President Henneberry stated he viewed the property and likes where they are going.
President Burton stated the window comments were not about the loft type, more about
the Alameda waterfront style and agrees with Mr. Buckley's statement. He agreed on the
color comments and would like for this to not look too bland.
Board member Knox White would like the bike parking ordinance to be looked at for this
project.
Board member Knox White motioned to approve with comments.
Vice President Henneberry seconded the motion.
Motion carried, 6-0
7.B. Alameda Landing Residential Condition of Approval Regarding Street Widths.
Mr. Thomas provided an overview of this item, and the requirements for Alameda Fire
Department (AFD). He also mentioned that Matt Tunney of AFD was present.
Board member Alvarez-Morroni stated now is a great time for this.
Board member Tang asked how staff is dealing with streets currently.
Mr. Thomas explained.
Vice President Henneberry commented on variations and aesthetics to streets.
Board member Knox White asked what is the width of High Street.
Staff commented 40-feet (actual width is 36 feet).
Board member Knox White commented on where is the standard written, and talked on
street designs getting bigger, then trucks get bigger and he finds no one wants to shrink
streets. He commented on concerns to ""C"" Street and wants to know what the standard is
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PlanningBoard,2013-06-10,3,"based on.
Mr. Thomas stated he wasn't sure where the standard is written or what it's based on.
Matt Naclario, Public Works Director, stated that the number of lanes can determine the
width. His research has been most cities have gone from 7' to 8' for parking with the
ratios being 70% use this, but as low as 50%. The Development Review Team has been
looking closely at the street designs for Alameda Point and is aware of the AFD
requirements for safety.
Board member Knox White stated there are other safety issues and this is a concern when
roads get wider. He wants the City as a whole to add other safety concerns. There are
multiple states who have adopted standards.
President Burton opened the meeting for public comment.
Helen Sause, resident, expressed apology for being late to speak but commented on item
7.A. and wanted them to look at other color schemes, and a mixed of housing types. She
stated the grid street pattern is very important with the connect ability to other
neighborhoods and streets and need to be useable for public transportation. She is
delighted for the development to be moving forward.
Patricia Ashley, resident, stated the street width is a big issue in Bayport and the safety
issues are very important with high density. She urged them not to underestimate real
behavior; probably 50% park one car in the garage, one on the street. Narrowing the
parking lane is a big concern, keeping it wider is better.
Jon Spangler, resident, addressed the Board as a biking instructor and wanted them to
consider the door opening factor on the streets. 7' parking lanes cannot work with a safe
passing for cyclists. He reported the door zone is 4-5' and not 2-3'.
President Burton closed public comment.
Board member Alvarez-Morroni agreed with Ms. Ashley's comment. She thinks the street
widths are site specific but to keep ""C"" Street a wider street.
Vice President Henneberry agreed there are things the City can do to decrease the
number of speeders. He supported the AFD needs for an additional 24"" on the street.
President Burton wanted to comment on the condition of this item, there is no bike lane on
the street, but there is a bike/pedestrian path alongside the street. He stated the City
should look at these issues on a case-by-case basis because some streets have 7' parking
lanes.
7.C. Alameda Landing Retail Center Design Review and Planned Development
Amendment Application PLN13-0157. Applicant: Catellus. Design Review and
Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
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PlanningBoard,2013-06-10,4,"Planned Development Amendment Application to construct eleven retail buildings
on a 24 acre site between Fifth Street, Stargell Avenue, Mitchell Avenue and
Mariner Square Loop and commonly known as the Alameda Landing Retail Project.
Mr. Thomas provided an overview and introduced members of Catellus.
Sean Whiskeman provided a briefing.
Mr. David Blair, MCG Architecture, provided a presentation.
Board member Alvarez-Morroni asked about the landscape by Michael's wall.
Mr. Whiskeman stated that wall line is on property line of Mariners Square Athletic club
and there is no room.
Board member Tang asked about a seating facility by Starbucks.
Mr. Thomas stated there is extensive seating and landscape in former plans along with
trash bins and the bike rack designs are in the process.
Mr. Whiskeman reported they are working with Bike Alameda for design and locations.
Vice President Henneberry asked about modifying the buildings at past meetings.
Mr. Thomas stated they are right in the middle of the design process, but for tonight are
the three priorities are Building G, designs for Buildings A and F. This was discussed at the
subcommittee meetings.
Board member Köster asked for understanding on the buildings facing inward as opposed
to toward the streets.
Mr. Thomas explained the goals of the retail center.
Board member Knox White asked if there is a possibility for a door in Starbucks to the
plaza.
Mr. Whiskeman stated while working with Safeway there is no other way to have another
opening onto the plaza unless its top to bottom curved glass, this is an operational issue.
Board member Knox White reported being on the subcommittee that provided comments
on the Building G concerns, and it would be great to find another plan. There was a good
discussion on Building A, and Buildings B and C with a bit more variation.
Vice President Henneberry asked about the door at Peets at Nob Hill which is an out only
and asked if this option has been discussed with Safeway.
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PlanningBoard,2013-06-10,5,"Mr. Whiskeman reported that if it's an access door they have loss prevention issue.
Vice President Henneberry asked if the dividing of Building G has been for a specific
tenant.
Mr. Whiskeman stated they wanted an all four sided design as one enters the court.
Board member Köster asked for square footage and additional parking, are they bound by
certain restrictions.
Mr. Whiskeman wasn't sure what would trigger further planning to add square footage
stating they are doing their best to work within the site plan.
President Burton commented on Building G being critical to adopt or not tonight. The
main entry street could be compromised if the building is divided. The back of the building
should be more developed or more creative.
President Burton opened the meeting to public comment.
Christopher Buckley, resident, stated he liked and wanted the smoke stack detail. He
wondered if spatial glass would be a stronger statement in the scheme of mid-century.
The details will be very important, such as the joints and composite plank siding. The
window recesses need to be addressed.
Diane Lichenstein, resident, stated she feels there is no softness on the buildings and she
would like the landscape design to be softer. The clock tower is great but it's still bold and
boxy. She commented on the lighting designs.
Jon Spangler, resident, he talked on Building A regarding President Burtons comment
about taking back the space with artistic relief. Building F is too dark, maybe primary
color awnings, and recessed windows. He does like the clock tower idea. He clarified his
previous comment was not to add a bike lane on the street.
Karen Bey, resident, stated there has been mixed ideas on what the vision of the center
has been because originally this was being marketed as a lifestyle center which it isn't with
the big Safeway and big Target. She likes what TriPointe is doing, but this center needs
to complement the area.
Helen Souse, resident, commented on big boxes need to be softened, perhaps parking
under the buildings. She likes the clock tower, but not the advertising. She stated
landscaping will be important.
President Burton closed public comment.
Board member Alvarez-Morroni stated that she likes the green on Building A and ambient
lighting on the side, Building F and would like Building G to stay one building. She thinks
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PlanningBoard,2013-06-10,6,"complete building, or if split make it a paseo. He appreciates the imagery that was
presented, and he can go either way with clock tower or smoke stack. He asked when the
board will see signage, and expressed concern on nighttime lighting with neighbors. He
asked about the resolution language for bike parking item to be changed. Buildings B and
C should have a more individual look.
Board member Köster commented on the clock tower idea having both. Is there a way to
split the resolution items apart or do it all together?
Mr. Thomas provided information.
Board member Knox White motioned to continue meeting after 10:30 p.m.
Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
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PlanningBoard,2013-06-10,7,"Board member Köster seconded the motion.
Motion carried, 6-0
Board member Knox White motioned to approve the resolution with removing item 6,
Amendment and approval of Building A with the Stargell screening and other items coming
back to the PB, and to update the language for the bike parking.
Vice President Henneberry seconded the motion.
Motion carried, 6-0
7.D. Recommend Adoption of An Ordinance Amending Alameda Municipal Code
Section 30-2 Definitions for Home Occupations to allow Cottage Food Operations
as required by AB 1616.
Mr. Thomas provided a briefing and overview of the state law and AMC.
Board member Knox White asked for the removal of the word, ""pedestrian"". ""
Vice President Henneberry motioned to adopt option two and strike the word 'pedestrian'
from amendment.
Board member Knox White seconded.
Motion carried, 6-0
8. MINUTES:
Minutes of May 29, 2013 (Pending)
Minutes of May 13, 2013 (Pending)
Minutes of April 22, 2013 (Pending)
Minutes of April 8, 2013 were approved.
President Burton proposed edits.
Board member Köster motioned to approve with edits.
Vice President Henneberry seconded the motion.
Motion carried, 6-0
9. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS:
9.A. Future Agendas
Mr. Thomas reported on upcoming items.
9-B. Zoning Administrator and Design Review Pending and Recent Actions and
Decisions. The Planning Board will consider whether to call for review any design review
actions or Zoning Administrator actions taken since the last Planning Board meeting.
President Burton asked for a call for action on any of the items on the list. There was no
call for action.
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PlanningBoard,2013-06-10,8,"10. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
11. BOARD COMMUNICATIONS:
President Burton commented on an Alameda Point Town Center & Waterfront
Subcommittee and he would like the committee to be himself, member Knox White and
asked member Alvarez-Morroni to be an addition to this group.
11.A. Report from Alameda Landing Residential Design Review Ad-Hoc Sub-
Committee - Nothing to report
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
13. ADJOURNMENT: President Burton adjourned the meeting at 10:50 p.m.
Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
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