pages: CityCouncil/2022-01-18.pdf, 12
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CityCouncil | 2022-01-18 | 12 | other sites will need to absorb the 589 units; expressed concern about promoting architecturally intrusive new development in historic areas; stated significant issues still need to be worked out; urged Council to approve the project; stated the remaining issues can be addressed through subsequent actions with public hearings; expressed support for traditional waterfront design: Christopher Buckley, Alameda Architectural Preservation Society. Urged Council to vote in favor of the project; stated finding appropriate housing in Alameda can be difficult; expressed support for introducing new housing to Alameda: Blithe Rocher, Alameda. Expressed support for the Master Plan as recommended by the Planning Board; stated that she was disappointed in 2017 when the project was not approved; she hopes the outcome will be different; the project is close to land and water transportation and has a park; the design does not impinge; the 589 units will attempt to temper the exorbitant prices for the area and will help satisfy the RHNA obligation; the intent is to stabilize the cost of housing: Laura Thomas, - Renewed Hope Housing Advocates. Urged Council vote to move forward with the project; stated the project is a key component in ensuring a compliant Housing Element for the City; discussed walking along the Oakland side of the estuary being an enjoyable experience; stated that he hopes a similar experience will occur for the Alameda side of the water: Drew Dara-Abrams, Alameda. Expressed support for speakers being in favor of housing in Alameda; stated there is still a lot of work to do; discussed the City's progress on policies for more housing in the City; stated he is not taking a position on the Encinal Terminals project; the City must have greater investment in affordable housing and develop a regional plan to address rising groundwater; new financing methods are needed to finance affordable housing and reduce speculative fevers that drive up housing prices; affordable housing must also be built elsewhere: William Smith, Alameda. Stated the developer will address sea level rise protections; the site is prime real estate and has been languishing; the possibility of the site being vibrant and accessible is exciting; urged Council to support any new, affordable housing that can be built on the Island; stated the developer has shown commitment to the community of Alameda: Tina Blaine, Alameda. *** Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft called a recess at 9:16 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:34 p.m. *** Councilmember Knox White moved approval of the staff recommendation [including introduction of the ordinances]. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog stated Councilmember Herrera Spencer posed questions regarding homeownership numbers for first time home buyers; inquired whether numbers have been discussed. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded in the affirmative; stated staff has had months of discussion with the developer around various Council priorities; the Master Plan has a 50% requirement for homeownership; staff also included workforce housing and recently discussed different ways of organizing homeownership; the developer feels 50% across the Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 18, 2022 12 | CityCouncil/2022-01-18.pdf |