pages: CityCouncil/2017-01-17.pdf, 8
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CityCouncil | 2017-01-17 | 8 | and the deal does not change; the developer should be given extra time: John Knox White, Alameda. Stated there is a housing crisis across the country; the Council should take extra time to look at every option; the project is wonderful, but this may be an opportunity to review creating more workforce housing: Janet Gibson, Alameda. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the City has been working on Alameda Point for decades; 1996 is when the former Naval Air Station landed on the base closure list; there was an economic downturn in the intervening years; now the City is so close to taking the first major step; a lot of due diligence, time and effort has been put into building the foundation of a very good project; significant issues include: Site A as the catalyst to development of enterprise zone, housing needs to be made affordable and accessible, ferry terminal funding, and transportation and traffic on and off the island. Mayor Spencer stated that she appreciates the term major milestone; APP has had 18 months to come up with the financing; now staff is asking for an extension, which is inappropriate; that she had a conversation with Joe Ernst about the lack of work-force housing; the property belongs to the community; it is a chance to demand affordable, work-force housing; UDR does luxury apartment homes and may take advantage of this gift from the Navy; further stated that she is unable to support the extension. Councilmember Oddie stated that he concurs with most of Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's comments; Alameda Point has not been productive for 20 years; he is starting to have a few concerns and hopes the concerns are alleviated after 120 days; staff is smart and prudent to agree not to close while the structure was not in place; there were some warning signs from previous situations, but the current developer is not like that; the leash is going to be short; if Council grants the extension, APP will get it done; there will not be an appetite for Council to grant another extension; Alameda does need market rate to fund affordable housing; Council has a lot of trust in staff; if APP defaults, they have an opportunity to cure the default and three to five months to figure it out; he plans to support granting the 120 day extension. Councilmember Matarrese stated the deal is the deal; this Council unanimously supported the deal and is not inclined to give another extension, but the timeline has not changed; referrals regarding the issues have been delayed and delayed; allowing the developer to work out their finances is important, and if it does not pencil, Council will know; the City needs to have early warning from the developer and staff if there is something amiss; there is greater risk if an extension is not granted. Vice Mayor Vella stated that she was not part of the earlier decision, but agrees that a deal is a deal; she is not inclined to support a second extension; Councilmembers also have a fiduciary responsibility; she would grant a 120 day extension to work towards getting the financing rather than curing a default; any delay is a concern and she is inclined to shorten the extension; the community needs the combination of the units and transit infrastructure; the developer has been proactive; the conversation needs to Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 17, 2017 | CityCouncil/2017-01-17.pdf |