pages: CityCouncil/2022-01-18.pdf, 20
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CityCouncil | 2022-01-18 | 20 | support the residential areas; the developer also supports a situation if the commercial space is not being supported and environmental findings can properly be made, additional housing units could be accommodated if the market conditions allow for the option; the developer can return to the Planning Board and request a modification of the 50,000 commercial square foot space for additional residential units. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the matter can be brought before the Planning Board without having the change included as part of the motion. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded in the affirmative; stated the developer can always return to amend the Master Plan; the change must go to the Planning Board, then, City Council must ultimately approve the amendment; the proposed language would authorize the Planning Board to perform the commercial and residential swap at a later date pending certain findings and would not require a Master Plan amendment. Councilmember Knox White stated that he does not support adding the language to the motion; the commercial space has been a key component during community discussions; changes to the Plan can be made in the future; a broader community discussion would be desired for the change. Councilmember Daysog stated the discussion has been an improvement over the current proposal due to the for sale unit breakdown; discussed the 200 townhome units and 50% of the non-townhome units being for sale; stated those interested in for sale units are seeing a substantial improvement; the issue for him relates to the workforce housing units; the workforce housing units are not low or moderate income and are slightly above moderate income; stated the City can do better than 10 units out of 589 for workforce housing; noted 80 units are deed restricted for very low to low income; Council is trying to get more first time homebuyers in the workforce housing units; the project is worth a delay to flesh out the details regarding workforce housing. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated some of the products for sale are now going to be stacked flats; the units will be affordable by design and are smaller units than a townhome; some income earners might not qualify for moderate affordability and will be able to get into the smaller products; the units will only be available if the project is approved and built; the opportunities are ample and changes have been made to provide opportunities; the vote will be momentous and will either move the project forward or allow the land to sit blighted. Vice Mayor Vella stated if housing is not built, there will be no workforce housing; workforce housing is every for sale housing unit included in the project; affordable by design exists; data shows that building housing allows for other units to become affordable and allows people to save up and become first time homeowners; expressed support for the City desiring to have a discussion about investing in first time homeowner opportunities or finding other ways to subsidize the purchase of units; stated the discussion can occur in addition to seeing the project through; Councilmembers will have explaining to do for other parts of the City if the need for up-zoning occurs while the project parcel is left vacant due to non-approval; Council has a responsibility to ensure the RHNA obligation is met and that opportunities are being reviewed; the project is an opportunity to provide density and build in a way that creates more ownership opportunities and will not require up-zoning of areas, which will impact existing residents; expressed support for the project and building housing in a responsible way. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 18, 2022 20 | CityCouncil/2022-01-18.pdf |