pages: CityCouncil/2020-06-16.pdf, 12
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CityCouncil | 2020-06-16 | 12 | Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether there is still a percentage of units that are accessible. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded in the affirmative; stated the standard in the ordinance requires 30% universal design and 100% visitability; this project has 15% universal design and 50% visitability; the project meets 50% of the requirements for both criteria. Stated the project far exceeds the State's accessibility; Boatworks is reworking the current proposal to accommodate the recommendations as best as possible: Robert McGillis, Boatworks. Councilmember Oddie inquired the numbers for other projects that were approved prior to universal design. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded more recent projects have been closer to 15%; stated the project were completed prior to the universal design ordinance; townhomes are difficult to have visitability; Alameda Marina doubled the universal design standard due to the housing type; however, a waiver was needed for visitability; the ordinance is not difficult to meet with multi-family housing units which have elevators; townhomes create a problematic environment. Vice Mayor Knox White stated although townhomes are difficult for many reasons, they pay for the infrastructure on projects; it is not easy to grant waivers; the project has been planned since 2011; projects work better when universal design goals are disclosed ahead of time; the project would need to be recreated from scratch in order to meet the updated ordinance. Vice Mayor Knox White moved approval of the staff recommendation [including adoption of the resolution]. Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion. Under discussion, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she appreciates the work of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities; noted the project has struggled; stated a good faith effort has gone into the request; some visitability can be offered through the garage; the City has struggled to get housing built in desirable locations; expressed support. Councilmember Vella stated that her expectation is for continued efforts; staff will continue to follow up to ensure units are as functionally universal as possible; expressed support. Councilmember Daysog stated that he will continue to vote no on the project; noted the comments from Ms. Kenny are powerful and should be kept in mind for future projects. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 16, 2020 10 | CityCouncil/2020-06-16.pdf |