pages: CityCouncil/2013-04-02.pdf, 16
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CityCouncil | 2013-04-02 | 16 | The City Planner responded the short answer is yes, which is the reason for the 100 page design review manual; stated additional design guidelines can be added to clarify buildings above 40 or 50 feet, but less than 60 feet, have additional design guidelines and standards that must be met. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is not shying away from the 60 foot height limit, but understands the speakers concerns; provided examples of varying height limits working and not working; stated many speakers expressed a desire for a 40 foot height limit, but did the speakers review the design manual and examples of what can be done; higher does not necessarily mean uglier; there are examples of ugly one and two story buildings. Councilmember Chen thanked the speakers; stated not a lot of developers have asked for 60 feet, or even 50 feet; economic development and aesthetically pleasing structures are not mutually exclusive; there is a way to have economic vitality coupled with an appealing, charming structure in line with the rest of Alameda; residents in and around the area are going to be directly impacted and should be heard; language could set the limit at 40 feet and not discourage developers by offering exceptions if certain guidelines are followed; there should be an extra layer of scrutiny; projects could be taken on a case by case basis; staff could come up with a solution to the open space problem; the area needs open space. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated speakers mentioned the City and School District have discussed swapping the Island High site for Housing Authority use; requested an explanation of the matter. The City Manager stated discussions have been held over the past several years; staff has been attempting to negotiate issues with the School District. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the discussion has included the Island High property, to which the City Manager responded in the affirmative; stated discussion involve a number of properties; the City would like to address each property individually and the School District wants a comprehensive solution for all the properties throughout the City; the issue is money. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she understands the issue raised about green space; that she has walked the area; there are some wonderful, creative ideas; however, money is needed and is the missing link; hopefully, the grant application, which the City did not help with a couple of years ago was not the last chance to obtain funding; the City is facing a budget deficit and does not have extra cash; that she believes the City would be a more willing partner in grant application now; encouraged considering the Union Pacific area, which has potential of being acquired; stated a row of hedges or trees would buffer Tilden Way; Council should not get timid on the height limit; she would urge 50 feet conditions to go to 60 feet because there are historic buildings over 50 and 60 feet that add character; provided examples; stated that she would like to include language from Santa Cruz and read an excerpt; stated speakers Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 16 April 2, 2013 | CityCouncil/2013-04-02.pdf |