pages: CityCouncil/2005-08-16.pdf, 19
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CityCouncil | 2005-08-16 | 19 | Counci deHaan inquired whether or not rounding off the corner would be considered mimicking. The Development Services Director responded rounding off would not be mimicking; stated mimicking would be trying to make people believe the building is art deco. Councilmember deHaan stated the Cineplex and parking structure corners could be smoothed; where the Cineplex steps back from the historic theater there are funny, square windows. The Development Services Director stated that she met with AAPS last week; AAPS feels strongly about the need for a much stronger vertical element; at a number of different public meetings addressing design, people liked the glass lobby element. Councilmember deHaan stated that he is concerned about the long, 20 to 21 inch, protrusions, which do not match the downtown district and result in an awkward mass; that he would be happy if the project was one-story; however, more screens are needed to make the project financially feasible. Councilmember Daysog thanked everyone for taking the time to voice opinions; stated that the Council would vote on the appeal of the Planning Board's decision regarding the project design and other design related elements tonight that he is troubled by the business deal aspects of the project and continues to struggle over what constitutes the proper balance between fulfilling an earnest desire for a historic movie theater that the community could be proud of and the wise and prudent use of public dollars; that he is also troubled by the fact that the cinema project is a negative $7 million and the new information tonight regarding the $0.40 per square foot [rent] when market is $1.35; that the Council has a fiduciary responsibility to exercise leadership when the public's appetite for amenities conflicts with fiscal prudence; that he understands the desire to restore the historic theater and that some people want the Cineplex; however, he is struggling with the rent; $0.40 per square foot is one-third of the market rate. Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the $1.35 market rate is for commercial space or theater space, to which the Development Services Director responded the rate is for brand new theater space. Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether data on other historic theaters, such as the Fox Theater in Oakland, was available. The Development Services Director responded that the Fox Theater is Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 19 August 16, 2005 | CityCouncil/2005-08-16.pdf |