pages: CityCouncil/2012-05-08.pdf, 9
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CityCouncil | 2012-05-08 | 9 | Councilmember Johnson questioned what the alternative is and how the Base could be developed without a Master Developer. Councilmember Tam reviewed [staff report] Exhibit 6 and cost sharing. The City Manager noted developers are not coming forward. Councilmember deHaan stated that he does not know another way to go forward. Councilmember Johnson stated the other alternative would be a Master Developer. Mayor Gilmore stated an RFP could be issued [for the 20 acres] to see if the development community is interested. Councilmember Johnson questioned how the number of houses could be decided upon without entitlements. The City Manager stated the other problem is the developer would not know what is going to be developed on the adjacent land; the work done on LBNL has been reused to chase other projects. Councilmember Johnson stated having entitlements makes attracting projects easier; that she does not see other choices. Vice Mayor Bonta stated there is some discomfort with the proposal; inquired whether the City could dip its toe in the water without diving in completely, which would develop comfort in the process and not cause $5 million in debt; perhaps a few key portions could be funded; trying something smaller with less risk could build momentum; there are a range of choices. The City Manager stated the smaller projects would not succeed without an EIR for the entire Base; developers will not do a piece without a broad sense of the overall development; Council could direct staff to proceed in said manner, however he is not optimistic that the method will succeed and it could cost more money in the long run; another alternative would be to focus on long term leases. Councilmember Tam inquired about other entitlement options that do not require issuing bonds. The City Manager responded $475,000 could be spent over 10 years to do the work little by little and money could be saved to do a complete EIR later; further stated that he does not believe there is a way to do the planning half way. Vice Mayor Bonta inquired whether or not there is an approach that could cost less than $5 million, to which the City Manager responded that he does not believe there is another option that would be effective, get the EIR approvals, zone properly and deal Special Meeting Alameda City Council 9 May 8, 2012 | CityCouncil/2012-05-08.pdf |