pages: CityCouncil/2013-04-02.pdf, 11
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CityCouncil | 2013-04-02 | 11 | there was suggestion that the organizers fundraise to help buy the property from the School District; inquired about the reaction to the suggestion. The City Planner responded Project Leaf people are smart and understand the challenges; raising money as a nonprofit neighborhood organization is hard; buying residentially zoned property in Bay Area cities is very expensive; Project Leaf members understand the hurtles and the need to raise money; the City has been very clear that funds are not available; the City has other major park efforts underway, like the Beltline, to create more open space; Project Leaf starting to generate revenue or resources might create opportunities to partner with the City; during conversations with Project Leaf representatives, staff has suggested that the group reorient its thinking and continue to raise money to buy the School District site, but the City will not down zone the property because down zoning is dangerous for the City; the School District giving the property to Project Leaf or selling the property for a reduced price is an issue between the group and the District; staff also informed Project Leaf that another piece of property in the neighborhood might be a lot cheaper to purchase because it is zoned industrial, has no active use, and has an owner who would love to sell the land; although the City does not currently have funds, plans include acquiring a piece of the land for Clement Avenue extension, which is a long term effort; a lot of work and energy would be required, but a partnership to purchase the land is a potential to pursue. Councilmember Tam stated that she knows the matter is a subject for another day; inquired whether the School District has indicated its desires or plans for the site. The City Planner responded staff has been working with the School District on a number of issues; stated that he believes the School District would like to sell the site; the Alameda Housing Authority has funding for affordable housing and has expressed interest in purchasing the property. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquire whether Park Street north of Lincoln Avenue has a minimum sidewalk width. The City Planner responded the regulations address private property, not the public right of way, and assume the existing sidewalk on Park Street. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired what the minimum sidewalk width is for Park Street, to which the City Planner responded that he believes 12 feet. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she met with several Alameda Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS) members and Wedge neighborhood residents; one concern raised was that buildings with zero setback limits prohibit increased pedestrian safety or sidewalk cafes if the sidewalk is wide enough. The City Planner stated that he believes the Park Street sidewalk is wide enough; some businesses have sidewalk cafes; however, more successful sidewalk cafes are actually on side streets. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 11 April 2, 2013 | CityCouncil/2013-04-02.pdf |