pages: CityCouncil/2022-01-18.pdf, 14
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CityCouncil | 2022-01-18 | 14 | Councilmember Daysog expressed support for delaying the project for one month to flesh out details; stated that he does not believe the total number of affordable units is being changed; however, some part of the total needs to be looked at once more; a reasonable number can be struck for the moderate income units. Councilmember Knox White inquired whether the Applicant is agreeable to a one month delay; stated it appears as though the discussion has already been occurring and the Applicant is not agreeable to a delay; delaying one month would only be for the sake of delay. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the question can be asked; she is willing to support Councilmember Herrera Spencer's request for more time to explore possibilities with the developer if Council would be able to get four affirmative votes to move the project forward; expressed concern about Councilmembers requesting many things to be added yet still vote against it; stated the project will not address the blight, create public waterfront space, water transit opportunities or 589 units toward the RHNA allocation if it does not move forward; if Council secures the four affirmative votes to move the project along, further discussion can occur; requested Councilmember Knox White's inquiry be restated. Councilmember Knox White stated there have been questions related to timing and the City's ability to reach agreement on changing the mix of units; his understanding of the matter is that discussions have been occurring for weeks and feasibility has already been determined; inquired whether two to four more weeks of delay would be feasible. Mr. O'Hara responded that he has been discussing numerous ways to address concerns; stated that he has always expressed a willingness to discuss matters; threading the financial feasibility needle is a challenge for the project; modifying the number of units does not allow the project to react to the market; the project is long-term and will have many units over a long period of time; noted markets change and what works for one component may not work in six months' time; the aspect of the Master Plan allows the developer to react to the market and provide the types of units which are needed; the discussions have been occurring and he urges any additional discussion to occur in short order; he does not see the benefit of a delay for either party; he is supportive, if the delay is a means by which the project discussion will continue; he would entertain further discussions; however, the matter must remain within the lens of financial viability and the ability to properly react to the market. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired the meaning of proposing to map the property; stated the last counter-proposal from the developer included mapping at least 50% of the market rate, non-townhome units through the subdivision process to allow for homeownership as opposed to apartment buildings; she is looking at the dispersion of the 50% of units; she is unsure how close the matter is to a resolution. Mr. O'Hara responded the proposal had been on the table; stated if the proposal allows the project issue to be resolved, the developer is agreeable to an increase in the number of non- townhome products and allow an increase in the number of units mapped for sale. Vice Mayor Vella stated that she is concerned about the item being previously agendized and withdrawn; there has been a lot of back and forth with an opportunity to ask the desired questions; the matter has been on the agenda for the second time and a lot of work has been put in; if there is not support for the project to move forward, Council should know so that other decisions can be made; urged Council to provide direction to staff to come back with an update Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 18, 2022 14 | CityCouncil/2022-01-18.pdf |