pages: CityCouncil/2014-03-18.pdf, 6
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CityCouncil | 2014-03-18 | 6 | Neighborhood Association. Stated the Island High neighborhood is mixed use and transitional and should be dealt with delicately; urged the process be slowed down: Shane McKay, Alameda. Stated the project is great for affordable housing; the property could be used to step down from taller adjacent buildings; the project could include a neighborhood garden: Bill Smith, Renewed Hope Housing Advocates. Expressed support for affordable housing: Irma Garcia, Alameda. *** Councilmember Chen left the dais at 8:52 p.m. and returned at 8:54 p.m. Stated the Alameda Development Corporation supports the staff recommendation; stated the agreement is a step for future collaborations: Joyce August, Alameda Development Corporation. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft addressed comments from the speakers; stated that she understands the issues of transitional neighborhoods; there are different perspectives and negative assumptions made about affordable housing; older units need attention and are run down due to the moratorium on multiple-family housing, but Alameda has been building impressive projects lately, including Shinsei Gardens; the HA and AUSD worked with the City and there is no conspiracy; by law, issues have to be discussed in closed session; the Council hears the publics' concerns. Councilmember Chen stated the settlement agreement is not perfect; the agreement helps AUSD find funding for pools; the HA has a long wait list of people in need of affordable housing; the agreement relocates 12 acres to an area more conducive for building a school; Council listens to speakers concerns and make the best decisions required to move the City forward. Councilmember Tam stated that she wanted to address the assumptions made about closed session discussions; stated the City Attorney's presentation captured everything discussed in the closed session; the transaction is complex; the agreement provides a clean Alameda Point school site adjacent to residential for a walkable and bikeable community; it protects local funds for local use and protects housing funds that would have been taken by the State; there were internal debates regarding fixing the pools with the equipment replacement fund; now funds can be used to finance Fire Station 3; that she supports the agreement. Councilmember Daysog thanked the public; stated the Wedge neighborhood is caught in the crossfire of the deal; the Wedge neighborhood was always a low income community and received Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; more young families are bringing up income levels; the Wedge is no longer a low income Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 5 March 18, 2014 | CityCouncil/2014-03-18.pdf |