pages: CityCouncil/2013-04-16.pdf, 19
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CityCouncil | 2013-04-16 | 19 | Mr. Whiskeman responded the market is creating a lot of opportunity; stated Target is under construction, which is a driver and has generated additional interest; Safeway is also a driver of activity and holds the key to the rest of the retail; the economy is improving; things are getting better; challenges still exist; retailers are still cautious about expansion, but the market has helped create opportunities; noted the Safeway would include a fuel center just like South Shore; the fuel center would be on a separate parcel that is not part of the Alameda Landing DDA and would be at the entry to the site; three buildings are proposed for the entry site, including the fuel center; approval would go through the Planning Board process. Vice Mayor/Agency Member Ezzy Ashcraft commended Catellus for all the hard work marketing the center; stated that she is very excited to see the list of potential retailers; her only concern is the Safeway Gas Station; she visited the site; the community is concerned about the appearance of gateways to Alameda; hopefully, Park Street will get better due to the new North Park Street Zoning Code just adopted; a couple of business are being proposed for Webster Street; rumors are a drive-thru burger establishment is in the mix; the Planning Board is hesitant to add a drive-thru, except pharmacies which benefit the community; that she is concerned about the appearance coming out of the Tube; the West End should not look like it is off of a freeway with a gas station and drive thru restaurant; when the Planning Board previously heard the matter there was a lot of discussion about not competing with Webster Street; the Planning Board limited the minimum footprint of stores at Alameda Landing to not compete directly with the footprint size of stores on Webster Street; fuel falling under sales leakage surprised her; in the past couple of years, two different gas stations requested use permits changes, including longer hours, due to not getting enough business; a Webster Street station is adding a convenient store and wanted to be able to sell liquor to bring in more business, which was denied; there is a free market, but agreements regarding Webster Street should not be ignored; she is concerned about both the appearance of the West End gateway and the competition being added for the Webster Street fuel stations; she would prefer to see other proposed retailers on the parcel instead; she is taken aback that the Safeway is a package deal with the fuel station; that she would not vote to approve the grocery store if automatic approval of the fuel station is included. Mr. Whiskeman stated the fuel station is not before the Council tonight; Safeway wants to include a fuel center; the fuel center at the entry site would go through the Planning Board process on its own track; the entry site is not being approved tonight. Vice Mayor/Agency Member Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she raised the matter because the staff report indicates one of Safeway's location requirements is the ability to build a Safeway gas station as part of its store. Mr. Whiskeman stated the tenanting strategy includes approving grocery as a category, which hopefully will be Safeway. Special Joint Meeting Alameda City Council and Successor Agency 2 to the Community Improvement Commission April 16, 2013 | CityCouncil/2013-04-16.pdf |