pages: Mayor'sEconomicDevelopmentAdvisoryPanel/EconomicRecoveryTaskForce/2016-07-20.pdf, 5
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Mayor'sEconomicDevelopmentAdvisoryPanel/EconomicRecoveryTaskForce | EconomicRecoveryTaskForce | 5 | 5-E Provide Direction for the Preparation of a Citywide Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) - Mr. Fonstein made the staff presentation. The staff report and attachment can be found at: https://alameda.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2781416&GUID=0D44D571-29E3- 4C96-B700-7294F6D6337F&Options=&Search= Mr. Fonstein introduced Sujata Srivastava and Derek Braun of Strategic Economics to guide the discussion. Ms. Srivastava suggested starting with questions about the perception of the community in the business world and from a resident's perspective. Panel member Chubb talked about some of the assets at Alameda Point, particularly space. It's edgy and weird. Panel member Winters pointed out that this is also one of the biggest challenges for Alameda Point, because as it gets developed, it runs the risk of this edginess going away. The land represents a lot of opportunity, but the there is a risk of turning it into a homogenous every-town. We want to keep populating the island with unique businesses, which maintains a reason for coming to Alameda. Panel member Elsesser remarked that from the other end of the City (Harbor Bay Business Park), for a lot of folks who run businesses in San Francisco, and uniformly over the years, the biggest reaction to Alameda is, where? Alameda is as close as you can be to San Francisco, and people have no idea. There is a lack of awareness of where Alameda is and how to get there. For more traditional businesses, they have found it remarkable because there is easy access, lots of space, space is cheaper, and there are great expansion opportunities. Mr. Elsesser said he is not sure if he wants people to know, because it will mean more competition for space. Panel member Monteko added on the flip side, there are a lot of success stories of Alameda being a destination: Trader Joe's, the Antique Fair, and Spirits Alley. There could be better story telling about the destination factor that already exists. People don't know what a strong market this is. Panel member Mik considered that part of the confusion is that the County shares the name. From a marine perspective, the geography in the middle of the Bay is the best aspect. The waterfront property is beautiful. It's got great access to the Oakland Airport. And it's a very short distance by water to almost anywhere. It was a very easy choice for them to locate their business here. The development of Alameda Point brings a bit of concern about the gentrification on the waterfront and the loss of working waterfront to something more attractive to a residential population. Maritime has a long history in Draft Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 9 July 20, 2016 | Mayor'sEconomicDevelopmentAdvisoryPanel/EconomicRecoveryTaskForce/2016-07-20.pdf |