pages: CityCouncil/2010-04-06.pdf, 11
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CityCouncil | 2010-04-06 | 11 | Councilmember Matarrese stated there has been a lot of progress on Webster Street, but there is still a need for a catalyst project, filling empty store fronts, and creating a buzz around Webster Street similar to the catalyst project on Park Street; moving in a uniform front across the City is important in order to be ready when the economy starts to recover; that he would like Council to consider giving direction to move in a uniform front and include that any revitalization plans start with an upfront planning process built on relevant, existing documents; Park Street had foundation with the Economic Development Strategic Plan and Downtown Vision Plan; that he would like to see the same approach applied to the Webster Street Business District; the matter should be included in budgeting discussions. Speakers: Christopher Buckley, Alameda resident and West Alameda Business Association (WABA) Design Committee; former Councilmember Tony Daysog, Alameda; and Kathy Moehring, WABA. Councilmember Matarrese stated that he purposefully put in the comment: "relevant to existing planning documents;" the City has a West Alameda Neighborhood Plan, Stargell Avenue extension and streetscape, and an Economic Development Strategic Plan; a lot of building blocks make the foundation for the exercise; Webster Street is waiting for implementation of a catalyst project; the intention is to get from plans to implementation. Vice Mayor deHaan stated Council wanted to set aside $5 million [in redevelopment funds] for Webster Street; the money was not there; there was no revenue stream; the West End deserves to move forward. Councilmember Tam stated there seems to be a planning paralysis; everyone is anxious to implement something but nobody seems to find a way to get things going; that she is wondering whether a grand effort to stitch all the plans together will get catalyst projects; that she is not grasping how the plan can take shape. The Interim City Manager stated the idea is to go beyond landscaping and lighting plans; taking the next step of implementation is necessary; stakeholders have to be involved in shaping their own neighborhoods and businesses first; the core documents available for Park Street are not the same documents available for Webster Street; plans need to be stitched together; the private sector is not going to chase the idea if the City, through the redevelopment agency, does not. Councilmember Gilmore stated the City needs to move forward on Webster Street as soon as possible; the Interim City Manager has stated everyone needs to do more with less; the reality of the situation is that the City cannot move forward all at once with all the good ideas; a work plan is needed for all priorities for the next six months, year, or whatever the period of time is determined; that she proposes to start discussions and prioritize the work plan; public discussions are needed so that everyone is on the same page; new ideas could be added to the cue; sometimes Council gets distracted with Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 11 April 6, 2010 | CityCouncil/2010-04-06.pdf |