pages: PlanningBoard/2005-06-13.pdf, 19
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PlanningBoard | 2005-06-13 | 19 | megaplexes were compatible with Alameda's character and scale. He displayed his own design for a scaled-down theater. Ms. Joan Boucher noted that in her household, they called Alameda "Ala-Mayberry." She enjoyed the neighborliness and pedestrian access in Alameda. She looked forward to walking to the historic theater, with three screens. She noted that many Alamedans did not know about this plan that far in advance, and had been taken by surprise; many of her neighbors did not like the new design. She believed this design would be a mistake for the Island. Morgan spoke in opposition to this item, and noted that Alameda was the only city that she felt comfortable in. She believed this design was wrong for the Island, and noted that walking and bicycling in the City was already hazardous. Ms. Nancy Kerns, 1175 Regent Street, spoke in opposition to this item. She believed this design has far exceeded the original vision, but did not believe this project was appropriate for the Island. She had not found anyone in town who believed that this many screens would be a good idea. She was very concerned about the traffic impacts, and believed that critical mass on this theater proposal had been reached very quickly. She did not believe anyone in town wanted this complex in town. Ms. Birgitt Evans, AAPS, 2829 San Jose Avenue, spoke in opposition to this item, and noted that AAPS had been involved in this project for a long time. She had spoken with Christopher Buckley, who was very concerned about staff's report that this design was "highly responsive" to AAPS' concerns. Neither he, Dick Rutter, nor she believed this design reflected their concerns. They did support Bruce Anderson's Section 106 review, as well as the HAB's comments at their June 2 meeting, in which four out of five HAB members stated that the design should be returned to the drawing board. She noted that the Henry Architects had created a very nice design for an Art Deco theater in Livermore that featured vertical elements. She believed the current design was a cacophony. She was very concerned that the big box look and the second story gallery window would overwhelm the buildings next door. Mr. Rob Ratto, PSBA, noted that the Board of Directors of PSBA had reviewed this design and approved it unanimously. He commended Kyle Connors (architect) for taking so much community feedback, dealing with the Secretary of the Interior's guidelines, and integrating the comments by the Planning Board and City Council to design a workable theater. PSBA believed this design would work, and believed the downstairs retail would be a good addition. He urged the Planning Board to accept the final design. Mr. Kevin Frederick, 1287 Caroline Street, spoke in opposition to this item. He believed that the design was offensive and did not believe the architecture was compatible with Alameda's vision for a theater design that would be appropriate to the neighborhood. He noted that there was considerable opposition to this design in town, and that it would be a financial disaster for the City. Planning Board Minutes Page 19 June 13, 2005 | PlanningBoard/2005-06-13.pdf |