pages: PlanningBoard/2005-05-23.pdf, 7
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PlanningBoard | 2005-05-23 | 7 | 8-B. Zoning Text Amendment ZA05-0002, Applicant: Alameda Theatre Project Inc., - All Neighborhood Business Districts (C-1) within the City of Alameda (DG/CE). The applicant requests an Amendment to Alameda Municipal Code Section 30-4.8(c) to add "Boutique Theater" as an allowable use in the C-1 zoning district, subject to Use Permit approval. "Boutique Theater" would be defined as "A theater with audiences of 49 persons or less for live performances or for the screening of motion pictures where there is only one screen in the theater.' (Continued from the meeting of April 11, 2005.) Mr. Piziali noted that many speaker slips were for both Items 8-B and 8-C. Mr. Lynch requested that staff clarify the distinctions between Items 8-B and 8-C for the public; Ms. Eliason explained the difference for the audience. Mr. Garrison summarized the staff report. President Cunningham advised that public comment would be taken, but that no Board discussion or action would be taken. President Cunningham advised that more than five speaker slips had been received M/S Piziali/Cook and unanimous to limit the speakers' time to three minutes. AYES - 7; NOES - 0; ABSTAIN - 0 The public hearing was opened. Mr. Mark Haskett, applicant, noted that he had acutely aware of the absence of a movie theater in Alameda; he described the background of this application and noted that his intent was to create a positive influence on the community. He noted that this theater was the smallest commercial movie theater in the country. He presented a petition in opposition to closing the theater which was signed by 1,500 people; he noted that he did not initiate the petition. Mr. Peter MacDonald, attorney for the applicant, noted that he would like to present the response regarding CEQA at the next meeting. He noted that the General Plan presented the ideal of a less automobile-oriented city with mixed uses and a traditional ambience, also known as the "new urbanism." He noted that included pedestrian orientation with places worth patronizing within the city, as opposed to megaplexes at the edge of the city center or further. He noted that the seats were low-density seating featuring couches and easy chairs, as opposed to airline-type seating. He did not believe that many boutique theaters would be created, and that this zoning amendment would indicate the City's commitment to entrepreneurs. He noted that the applicant often found available parking space in the vicinity when his theater has sold out. He surveyed his customers, and found that only 15 cars were driven by customers on a Friday night, and 13 cars on a Saturday night, which was less than Planning Board Minutes Page 7 May 23, 2005 | PlanningBoard/2005-05-23.pdf |