pages: CityCouncil/2022-05-03.pdf, 24
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CityCouncil | 2022-05-03 | 24 | Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the term by right is used multiple times throughout the HE, including low barrier navigation centers; inquired whether the City's legal counsel believes Council is required to include low barrier navigation centers. The Assistant City Attorney responded State law requires the City to identify locations for low barrier navigation centers; stated staff has identified various locations. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated every place shown by right is required by State law; the only exception to the requirement is the R-5 district; the requirement is unclear due to how the R-5 district is structured. Councilmember Knox White stated all projects have used density bonus due to the City's zoning; inquired whether density bonus is not something that can be automatically granted, must be requested and a case has to be made. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded in the affirmative; stated State density bonus is structured if a developer voluntarily offers to provide a certain amount of affordable housing, the developer is eligible for a density bonus and waivers; since the City's existing zoning has a multi-family prohibition, the only way to produce more than two units in a building is by offering additional affordable housing; the offer creates eligibility for waivers to the multi-family prohibition. Councilmember Knox White inquired whether the requirement to have developers show a financial reason for the density bonus has been removed from density bonus law. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded State density bonus law has been amended over the years; stated the law has become more lenient over the years; there are two aspects to the law; one is the waiver of things, such as height limits; a more rigid requirement used to relate to financial incentives; a developer had to show the financial unviability in order to qualify for a waiver; the burden now falls on the City. Urged Council be respectful of the will of the voters; stated upzoning density in neighborhoods and increasing heights is clearly counter to the Measure Z vote; expressed support for Alameda complying with State housing law; stated the proposed HE is an extreme interpretation; expressed concern about taller buildings; urged Council continue the hearing to after May 9th: Elizabeth Greene, Alameda. Stated the West Alameda Business Association (WABA) created a plan to protect the integrity of Webster Street and restrict heights; the plan is viable and speaks to protecting the historical value: Sandra Pilon, WABA Stated that she has continued to try and be involved with proposals to meet the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA); the HE does not include allocations without undue density increases and by right upzoning; expressed concern about Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 3, 2022 20 | CityCouncil/2022-05-03.pdf |