pages: CityCouncil/2013-04-16.pdf, 5
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2013-04-16 | 5 | Councilmember Daysog inquired whether scrutiny would be required to go above the 50 foot threshold. The City Planner responded any building, even if just one story, requires Planning Board review to ensure a beautiful design and consistent with the guidelines; stated another set of guidelines would be added to the design manual to indicate the City expects something pretty special if a building goes up to 60 feet. Councilmember Tam stated all buildings have to go through a rigorous set of guidelines; 60 foot buildings have to go through an extra level of guidelines. Councilmember Daysog noted developers may or may not come to Alameda to build four stories of residential on top of businesses, which could not be done with the 50-foot trigger; inquired whether thought has been given to the messages Alameda is sending. The City Planner responded the City worked closely with the development community; stated the form based code is designed to show in diagrams and words how buildings should look and feel; the document was created to inform developers how to create a good project, which will get through the public hearing process and building permits quickly and inexpensively; the City wants developers to spend money on the architecture of the building with beautiful details and materials rather than spending hundreds of hours redesigning a project; further stated the design manual provides certainty for both developers and neighbors; adjacent property owners have certainty that only buildings consistent with the design manual will be approved. Councilmember Tam left the dais at 8:13 p.m. and returned at 8:15 p.m. Stated adoption of the Housing Element has been a change since the guidelines were adopted; urged Council to consider the single family homes in the Wedge Neighborhood: Former Councilmember Doug deHaan, Alameda. Encouraged the Council to include the Santa Cruz framework and that the final Design Review Manual Addendum be approved by Council and have extra authority; discussed density bonus: Chris Buckley, Alameda Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS). Stated AAPS would like a 40 foot height limit with exceptions; encouraged authority not be delegated to the Design Review process: Jim Smallman, Alameda resident and AAPS member. Urged the ordinance be finalized as quickly as possible; explained why PSBA supports the 60 foot height limit: Robb Ratto, Park Street Business Association. Encouraged the Design Review Manual provisions be adopted prior to approving the 60 foot height limit: Gretchen Lipow, Alameda Citizens Taskforce. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 5 April 16, 2013 | CityCouncil/2013-04-16.pdf |