pages: CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf, 21
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CityCouncil | 2021-11-02 | 21 | often require more parking than the project is proposing; many of the minimum parking spaces for projects are too high; outlined recommendations from the Planning Board for less parking spaces for projects. Councilmember Daysog stated a system is already in place which is flexible to accommodate spaces below a lower standard. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated the system forces every project to go through the waiver process; staff is trying to avoid the process and streamline for increased efficiency and less cost; the goal is to keep costs down, especially for housing projects. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for requiring charging infrastructure for Electric Vehicles (EV); stated the current proposal has been through a number of different Boards and Commissions, however, the Public Utilities Board was not one of them; inquired the implications of expanded EV charging facilities and Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) infrastructure. The Land Use and Transportation Planner responded staff has consulted with AMP staff; the ordinance includes a load management system; parking structures cannot over-build the panel to handle everyone at full power, 24-hours per day; AMP indicates the costs to build are comparable to recent projects; AMP is comfortable with the levels and is eager for customers. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether AMP is comfortable with the existing transmission lines and clean green sources of power and whether AMP is able to adequately accommodate the expanded charging infrastructure. The Land Use and Transportation Planner responded that he cannot answer directly for AMP; however, AMP has not expressed any concerns during discussions. The City Planner stated the EV parking spaces and infrastructure would not happen automatically; the ordinance would apply with new development or new construction of parking spaces which are typically reviewed by AMP. Expressed support for moving away from mandatory minimums and moving towards mandatory maximums without forcing discretionary review on all projects; stated adding parking spaces to a project increases the cost of a project by $80,000 per spot; the costs in relation to housing are especially terrible for affordable housing; it makes sense to require less parking; the City can discourage car use near transit: Zac Bowling, Alameda. Stated that she opposes the proposal for maximum standards for parking; the matter seems to be a workaround which does not adequately address the fact that parking is an issue in many areas of Alameda; new development should sufficiently accommodate parking needs; discussed increased density from the General Plan; stated an increase in parking is reasonable; parking will be an issue with an increase in population; unbundling parking will likely lead to those with less means not purchasing parking, creating an inequitable gap; discussed accessibility: Carmen Reid, Alameda. Expressed support for the matter; urged Council to move forward with the ordinance; stated progress has been made in developing additional transit options; the City is providing more options for those who want to get out of cars; there is a climate emergency; the proposed Regular Meeting Alameda City Council November 2, 2021 18 | CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf |