pages: CityCouncil/2019-03-19.pdf, 19
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CityCouncil | 2019-03-19 | 19 | the ability for those who work in the City to be able to live in the City as well and addressing the housing issue. Councilmember Daysog stated Park Street has many great restaurants and hotel patrons will feel the same; the project is exciting. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the parking waiver; stated riding the bus is great; it is unrealistic for all hotel patrons to be expected to ride the bus; expressed support for having a variety of transit options available; discussed a shuttle she encountered on a recent trip; stated foot traffic is needed for local businesses; a hotel will increase business visitors; housing on upper levels of commercial space is a good idea for future projects but it is unfair to hold the current project applicant to a standard that has not been set forth to meet; expressed concern over the current design; stated the design is nondescript and does not seem appropriate for the downtown historic gateway; proposed addressing the different issues before Council separately and a vote be taken to approve the parking waiver; inquired if conditions could be added. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded the first issue to decide is whether the appeal is upheld and if the project would be sent back to the Planning Board to address design; outlined the appeal process; stated it is important to articulate the reasons why the design is being sent back. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is in favor of sending the item back to the Planning Board to address the design. Councilmember Vella concurred; stated hotels are over-parked; inquired whether there can be a community meeting or community notification if the matter is sent back to the Planning Board. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded in the affirmative; stated staff can notice the community that the item is coming back to the Planning Board as a study session; holding a separate community meeting before the Planning Board review is also possible if Council desires. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed concern over fairness to the applicant. Councilmember Vella stated the community meeting does not need to be separate. Vice Mayor Knox White stated this there have been at least two public hearings before the Planning Board discussion; he does not support sending the design back. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is responsible, as an elected official voting to approve a project, to ensure it is as high quality and appropriate in appearance in the downtown gateway corridor. Councilmember Daysog stated that he is satisfied with the project being properly vetted; Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 15 March 19, 2019 | CityCouncil/2019-03-19.pdf |