pages: CityCouncil/2014-07-29.pdf, 6
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CityCouncil | 2014-07-29 | 6 | Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether AUC has any prior experience with former base redevelopment, to which Mr. Caruso responded that his experience is predominantly with the standard of the State Architect; stated AUC has worked on numerous historic landmarks over the last 26 years, including the headquarters of the American Institute of Architects, the Hicks Mansion, and the Saint Claire Hotel. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether AUC does not have specific experience with closed military bases, to which Mr. Caruso responded AUC does not have direct experience with military bases, but does have experience with sites with environmental and biological sensitivities; stated AUC constructed a master planned resort in Napa on a former garbage dump, which involved Indian archeological remains, the Army Corps of Engineers, a superfund site, and relocation of historical structures. In response to Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's further inquiry, Mr. Caruso stated the property is across the river from the Copia Center; the project was purchased by the Ritz Carlton after the entitlement process was complete; however, the purchaser passed away and the project is tied up in estate issues. Mayor Gilmore stated if both proposals proceed down the line, the two projects will be very different and will have two different teams working on them; qualifications should address how AUC can handle two very different large projects at the same time. Councilmember Chen moved approval of the ENA between the City AUC for the BEQ. Councilmember Tam seconded the motion. Under discussion, Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she appreciates the opportunity to hear from Mr. Caruso; the ENA is the first being entered into for Alameda Point and sets a standard; there is no competition because there was not an RFQ; she is concerned because very little information has been provided on the development team; that she would like more information before going forward with proposals that did not go through a competitive process; if the City goes forward with very little prior knowledge about the team, it would have to do so with every successive developer; the RFQ for two other sites has required developers to jump through many hoops; although there has not been prior interest in the BEQ, the real estate market is heating up; she is less persuaded with the 5 acre parcels site because any number of developers could do something with the site; she has not seen enough to be comfortable with having the developer do two projects at the same time. Councilmember Chen stated the City tried to give the BEQ to the Veterans Administration (VA) a couple of years ago; now, the City has a developer willing to pay a deposit and spend millions of dollars; the action tonight is the beginning of an arduous process; Mr. Caruso, as an experienced architect, should understand Alameda is very concerned about impacts; the project will be vetted; the City Manager has to determine whether the developer is qualified; that he welcomes the investment. Joint Meeting Alameda City Council and City of Alameda Financing Authority July 29, 2014 | CityCouncil/2014-07-29.pdf |