pages: CityCouncil/2013-09-25.pdf, 6
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CityCouncil | 2013-09-25 | 6 | address other problem areas effectively; the matter should be in the EIR and part of discussions going forward. Board Member Knox White stated that he would submit written comments before the deadline; the alternatives analysis needs a lot more flushing out and an explanation of ratings; some assumptions in the alternatives analysis do not make sense; the plan to deal with sea level rise is good; a policy decision still needs to be made about whether the initial mitigation is 18, 12 or 36 inches; the conversation should happen, because the policy impacts the Master Infrastructure Plan (MIP) and also changes the mitigation analysis in the EIR; the EIR goes to 2050, which is a 35 year window; people buying houses at Alameda Point will not have paid off their first mortgage by 2050, when the next dike will start to be built; questioned whether homeowners' first mortgage would be sufficiently protected and whether insurance companies are going to guarantee that the property would be protected from sea level rise; stated the ability to sell land to commercial and homeowners might be impacted; the sea level rise decision impacts a lot of decisions, including fees; the conversation is overdue and needs to be had at some point in the near future. Board Member Tang stated traffic is the most important issue; the City's existing traffic infrastructure limits and dictates the kind of development at Alameda Point; a good mix is needed to have a harmonious flow; there cannot be too many residences or too many retail outlets; that he appreciated hearing about the shuttle service; he carpools from Bay Farm Island; parking spaces are fully occupied; more carpool or shuttle parking spaces might be needed; some buses are empty; questioned whether there should be smaller shuttles; stated bus ridership might depend on how well a company is doing; the City should ensure shuttles will be fully utilized; questioned whether the City has a backup plan in case the Tube is closed; stated any emergency plan to direct traffic should be revisited; developers are going to have to invest money on traffic infrastructure to make the development successful; questioned how people will make it from Bay Farm Island to Alameda Point to shop at Target; stated hopefully, residents will take a shuttle and not drive to Alameda Landing. Mayor Gilmore stated President Burton commented about the analysis between the Alameda Point traffic and existing traffic; the matter has been discussed for years; reports show significant impacts from traffic on the rest of the Island even if Alameda Point is not built; development on the rest of the Island is fragmented and spread out, making a comprehensive plan more difficult; there are more opportunities to put in traffic mitigation plans that have a better chance of working at Alameda Point, which should be addressed in the EIR; people need to understand that even if nothing is done at Alameda point, there is a very good chance that there will be gridlock on the rest of the Island unless driving habits change or bus and shuttle capacity increases; the matter needs to be flushed out; complimented staff and the Planning Board on the tremendous amount of work that has been put into the EIR and the outreach efforts; stated turn out is much better than the in the past and will hopefully continue to improve as the process continues; the City wants input; October 21st is the deadline for submitting comments; Joint Meeting Alameda City Council and 6 Planning Board September 25, 2013 | CityCouncil/2013-09-25.pdf |