pages: CityCouncil/2013-04-02.pdf, 10
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CityCouncil | 2013-04-02 | 10 | buildings; Measure A and the prohibition of multi-family has been a factor over the years; questioned whether the City wants to have a 40 foot limit that would not allow a building that looks as nice as the Masonic Lodge, which is beautifully designed and needs to be 50 to 55 feet; stated the City has a manual on how to get projects approved; the Planning Board is not going to approve ugly buildings; design review in Alameda is rigid; Council can call projects for review; that he does not believe a floodgate would be opened. Councilmember Chen stated the intention is for North Park Street to be more pedestrian oriented, with more retail shops to allow people to walk, shop and dine in Alameda; inquired what is the logic in building stories that go vertical instead of horizontal. The City Planner responded the first floor facing Park Street would be pedestrian friendly retail, which requires at least a 12 or 15 foot height, not 10 feet; stated to be transit- and pedestrian-oriented, people live above the first floor and there might be office use upstairs; the parcels are not deep enough to go horizontal; the only way to go is up; banks are going to require parking even if City does not; the parcel sizes are such that there are very few options to have large 4 or 5 story buildings. Councilmember Tam stated that she appreciates the hours of work that went into the matter since 2006; the City Planner headed in a direction that Council directed 6 years ago because the area had problems; the City did not have any marketing interest and was hearing that Alameda is not business friendly; the City thought providing form based certainty would stimulate the economy; the City has had the 100 foot limit since 1990; inquired whether an application for a 100 foot building has been received in the 23 years. The City Planner responded not to his knowledge. Councilmember Tam inquired whether no one reaches the [height] limit due to the [parcel] area ratios and the marketability of the space not being what people need. The City Planner responded there are a variety of factors; stated people with some familiarity of Alameda know the City is not going to approve a 10 story building on Park Street even though the height limit is 100 feet; the proposed zoning regulations are an effort to stop sending a mixed signal regarding the 100 foot height limit; a 10 story building is not desired on Park Street; the zoning sets standards and ensures staff and the community are clear about what is desired for Park Street; then, the development community and property owners might find it worth exploring the ideas outlined because meeting the design manual standard allows a specific height; the City wants to have one voice and be clear about what is desired and not desired. Councilmember Tam inquired about down zoning of the School District site; stated that she appreciates having mitigation credits, such as requiring developers to provide open space and helping assist with land purchases; Project Leaf and community organizers suggested purchasing the School District site for a community garden or open space; Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 10 April 2, 2013 | CityCouncil/2013-04-02.pdf |