pages: CityCouncil/2020-07-21.pdf, 14
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2020-07-21 | 14 | Vice Mayor Knox White moved approval of denying the appeal and upholding the Planning Board's decision. Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion. Under discussion, Vice Mayor Knox White stated there is a clear lack of understanding for Design Review; staff has a significantly positive track-record in defending appeal decisions; this is not a design review discussion; the voters approved the project; the project has followed the appropriate process and approvals; noted the Planning Board denied the appeal; expressed support for moving forward. Councilmember Oddie stated the ballot measure confirmed the zoning change and did not approve design or use of the property; the competing measure intended to reject a petition submitted by residents to re-zone the site in a different manner; the purpose of the election was to litigate the petition in front of the voters; there is nothing more fitting than to re-use a building to assist veterans that have served the Country; expressed concern about delay of the matter due to COVID-19; stated the staff report noted litigation in court over the Historical Resource and Study List; that he does not know if Council has the authority to overrule the Court decision. Councilmember Daysog outlined Municipal Code Section 13-21.5 on procedures for reservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments; stated the building is not being demolished; inquired whether the building is being altered and why the City is not following the strict language interpretation. The Assistant City Attorney responded Section 13-21.5 refers to structures which have been designated a Historical Monument; stated the building is not a Historic Monument and has not been placed on the list; noted the applicable Municipal Code Section is Section 13-21.7; the definition of demolished is found under Section 13-21.2; stated staff has concluded HAB review is not required; the Court has addressed and expressly rejected similar issues; the building is listed on the Historic Building Study List, but is not a historic resource under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Councilmember Daysog inquired whether staff is using Section 13-21.7a to indicate removal does not occur; questioned whether any part of the structure will be removed. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded the site is on the Study List and is not a Monument; stated the Code requires going to the HAB should a building be demolished to ensure the building is not a historic resource; noted the definition of demolition under the Code is 30%; stated should windows or siding be changed on a Study List property, which does not represent a 30% demolition, there is no requirement to bring the project to the HAB. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the project is an adaptive reuse project and is not removing 30% or more. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 8 July 21, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-07-21.pdf |