pages: CityCouncil/2019-09-17.pdf, 9
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CityCouncil | 2019-09-17 | 9 | parking; stated the Climate Action Plan has been passed; a goal is to get cars off the road; a guiding policy is not to let parking dictate plans and planning. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated parking was originally at 275 which met the Code; the Planning Board reduced the amount by 15 spaces to allow for further landscaping and Council has the authority to further reduce parking. Councilmember Oddie stated the possibility should be reviewed; discussed the Climate Action Plan parking goals; stated the setback has not been proven to be wrong; that he is inclined to deny the appeal, but is open to a discussion about parking; the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) should be considered as well. Vice Mayor Knox White stated Council gave the Planning Board direction, which included the consideration of removing more parking; that he is open to discussing parking, but does not want to hold up the project any further; a condition can be added for unused parking spaces to be used for future ferry riders; parking spaces should not be removed, but allowed for ferry riders instead. Councilmember Vella stated the parking aspect is helping to accommodate neighbors with concerns about ferry parking spilling over into the neighborhood; if the project turns out to be over-parked, certain spaces can be dealt with in phases, but the project approval should not be delayed; different usage of the site can be discussed with the developer; there has been a significant uptick in usage of the ferry terminal; there is a need for the parking spaces; the setback has not proved to be an issue to require going back to the Planning Board; expressed support for the project. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the project has had a lot of coverage; there has been a lot of interaction with the public; the outreach has provided for a better project; the project site is within a business park that does not have enough hotel space; Council should consider whether the project is good for the City and fair to neighbors; stated as an Island community, ferry transport makes sense; outlined difficulties in timing ferry transport; stated Council should not take away parking spaces; she would prefer to dedicate extra parking spaces for ferry riders; inquired whether the possibility exists. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded staff has included ferry parking in the conditions of approval; stated ferry riders will be able to see available parking via a mobile phone application. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether it is possible to ensure there is never a time when ferry parking is not available. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded even if the hotel is filled, the possibility is not likely; stated the applicant's concern for parking is related to the restaurant; there is an opportunity to fill every space each evening with the restaurant, the hotel and ferry riders; expressed concern for making changes without ferry riders present; stated many promises have been made. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 7 September 17, 2019 | CityCouncil/2019-09-17.pdf |