pages: CityCouncil/2019-03-19.pdf, 20
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CityCouncil | 2019-03-19 | 20 | expressed support for the current design; stated the design is consistent with the downtown gateway; expressed support for the parking and TDM strategy; stated that he will continue to support denial of the appeal. Councilmember Oddie stated the design resembles an office building; a traditional brick design would be better suited for the surrounding buildings. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft outlined design findings. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of sending the item back to Planning Board to improve the design to be more compatible. The Assistant City Attorney stated if Council is unable to make all three findings required for Design Review, Council must specify which findings cannot be made; the motion to follow will be to uphold the appeal for reasons independently reviewed by Council. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the parking waiver may be voted on or if a straw vote is required to provide direction. The Assistant City Attorney responded the resolution in the packet is to deny the appeal and approve the project; stated a resolution has not been prepared that reflects the Council's current considerations; a straw vote is recommended to direct staff to return at the next regularly scheduled Council meeting with a resolution which has the appropriate findings and reflects the current discussion. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired if the items may be bifurcated. The Assistant City Attorney responded in order to uphold the appeal, Council may base the decision on either not being able to make the design review findings or not being able to make the parking waiver findings. Councilmember Vella expressed support for the parking waiver; stated general parking directives should be reviewed and can be agendized at a future meeting. The Interim City Attorney stated if there are three votes to uphold the appeal on the basis of design, the vote may occur; separately, if Council would like the Planning Board to look at the parking issue while reviewing the design aspect, a vote can occur to direct the Planning Board to review parking as part of the design review. The Assistant City Attorney stated the motion may approve the parking waiver and also indicate that one or more design review findings cannot be met to remand the project back to the Planning Board only for said purpose. Councilmember Oddie stated a majority of Council has expressed concern about the transit component and rideshare; stated that he does not want to re-litigate the parking Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 16 March 19, 2019 | CityCouncil/2019-03-19.pdf |