pages: CityCouncil/2022-01-18.pdf, 13
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CityCouncil | 2022-01-18 | 13 | board is the best approach; the developer is concerned about maintaining the financial viability of the project and has resisted getting more specific about fine tuning for the project's product types; the developer does not want to promise a project that is not viable. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she has been negotiating in good faith with the developer and is saddened that the responsiveness is not at the desired level; she is not able to support the project at the current time; inquired whether the 50% units mapped would be for sale. The City Attorney responded the developer has committed to creating subdivided units; stated the units will be sellable; he has not been part of negotiations and cannot say whether the units will be for sale on day one. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is confused about a Councilmember negotiating in good faith; requested clarification about the role of Councilmember in negotiations. The City Attorney stated a Councilmember has made specific requests, through staff, of preferred project details; staff has then been negotiating with the developer directly. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director concurred with the City Attorney; stated staff has been communicating with the developer to determine whether or not the preferred project details are things that the developer could do; the developer believes that the current language included in the Plan is the best commitment that can be made; questioned how the City can require homeownership versus rentals; stated the City cannot prevent someone from renting their property; mapping 50% of the units would allow units to be designed and constructed to be sold, rather than rental units; there is not a requirement that the developer must sell individual units to a separate parties; discussed condominium builds; stated many prior projects have units rented first, then sold when the market returns; the agreements do not prevent the developer from renting units first and selling later; expressed concern about units remaining vacant; staff has not recommended having vacant units. Councilmember Daysog stated that there appears to be the possibility of a major investor buying properties; inquired whether staff is envisioning major investors buying properties. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded in the negative; stated nothing prevents a buyer from renting a unit. Councilmember Daysog stated that he is intrigued by the matters raised by Councilmember Herrera Spencer; he is glad to see that 7% of units will be dedicated to moderate income; inquired what Council can do to get some number of the moderate income units to be for sale; discussed low and moderate income homeownership. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the project must first be approved; if the project is not be approved, nothing will be built and the space will be remain blighted; if Council wishes to provide the opportunity, staff can work with the developer; no one can predict the market or economy; the goal is laudable; however, she would hate to see the goal be used as a way to kill a project; there are opportunities for homeownership and affordable housing; it is extremely important that the project move forward; the City has seen an immense turnout of public comment and all are in favor of the project; the project can use some fine tuning. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 18, 2022 13 | CityCouncil/2022-01-18.pdf |