pages: CityCouncil/2012-05-08.pdf, 11
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CityCouncil | 2012-05-08 | 11 | pads cannot be done without and EIR; $5 million is a small investment for the project; another change in the market should not be missed; the Council committed to this direction less than one year ago; if the proposal does not go forward, the City cannot seek grants or attempt to have the State allow redevelopment. Councilmember Johnson moved approval of the staff recommendation. Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion. Mayor Gilmore stated that she would vote no because it is not the best time to be bonding and time would be better spent bolstering existing tenants, working on a long term leasing strategy and checking in after two or three years; the City does not know if the State will pass legislation; the action is premature. Councilmember deHaan discussed leasing; stated waddling along will make the City miss the next opportunity. Councilmember Tam stated that she would not support the motion; no cost conveyance was significant progress; elimination of redevelopment shifted risk to the City; assurances are needed that the infrastructure costs would be covered; existing tenants should be bolstered; funds should be used to pay for infrastructure improvements and keeping existing tenants. Vice Mayor Bonta stated that he wants to move forward and has an appetite for some risk; the plan presented has significant risk; that he would like to proceed without bonding; there might be other potential options; the plan has more risk than he is willing to take today; he would support a scaled down version. Councilmember Johnson suggested having staff analyze the proposal to see if there could be another version; stated the City has to be ready for the next change in the economy; the plan is not reckless and does not include undue risk; based on conservative analysis, the City has the revenue; $5 million is not a large amount for the Base; the Base will continue to deteriorate. The Chief Operating Officer - Alameda Point noted doing nothing increases the City's risk; entitlements minimize risk and get the City closer to having a shovel in the ground. The City Manager noted staff would not be able to come back with a hybrid plan anytime soon; that he heard Council wants to have developers cover the entitlement risk, which is fine; in the meantime, staff will increase leasing efforts in the adaptive reuse area and try to attract development in the employment zone. Councilmember Johnson stated the City is committing to allow the Base to rot away; enough revenue is not generated to do real maintenance; the buildings are rotting away. The City Manager stated entitling property piecemeal does not make sense; doing Special Meeting Alameda City Council 11 May 8, 2012 | CityCouncil/2012-05-08.pdf |