pages: PlanningBoard/2005-06-27.pdf, 11
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PlanningBoard | 2005-06-27 | 11 | into the parking structure. She did not believe the Cineplex would be financially feasible in five years. Ms. Linda Hansen spoke in opposition to this item, and displayed photographs of the site with projected massing superimposed on the existing site. She noted that while the Twin Towers Church is taller than the proposed structure, the massing of the Cineplex overwhelmed them. She suggested building an open plaza at the Video Maniacs corner with a two-story retail space and a gathering place. She displayed her sketch, and noted this was more in line with contemporary design theory. She believed this would be more pedestrian-oriented. Ms. Debbie George, speaking as AN individual, not PSBA, spoke in support of this item. She noted that there had been at least ten public meetings on this subject, and noted that the designers had been responsive to public and Board requests. Mr. Jon Spangler, 1037 San Antonio, spoke in opposition to this item. He noted that he was a business owner and a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He did not believe this project belonged on this particular corner, and believed that the building was too massive. He noted that over 1,500 signatures had been gathered in opposition to this project. He believed that Alameda deserved a better fit than this design, and would like to see alternatives that fit Alameda's character better. Ms. Barbara Marchand, spoke in support of this item. She believed that no matter how many meetings are held, that there would not be 100 percent agreement on this project. She believed the retail establishments and the people of Alameda would benefit from this project. Mr. Christopher Buckley, Alameda Architectural Preservation Society, 1017 San Antonio Avenue, noted that AAPS has gone on record supporting the project concept, but had some concerns about the design. He read an excerpt of the report (page 9, item 2) written by the consultant, Bruce Anderson, expressing concerns about the design, and suggesting that refinements of the design should be made. He believed this report had been glossed over by staff. He displayed an illustration of the project, and noted that the transom windows were misaligned. Mr. Chuck Millar, 2829 San Jose Avenue, spoke in opposition to this item, and noted that he has been very critical of the design from the beginning. He was very concerned that the City would be saddled with a regrettable design. He believed that Bruce Anderson's comments had been treated on the same level as public comment, and added that HAB had been very critical of the design, which was also not apparent. He noted the walls made of precast concrete would be very suitable for Art Deco. He strongly urged that more design elements be included in this project so that it would not be so plain. Ms. Holly Rose, spoke in opposition to this item, and believed that this project overwhelmed the intersection in a claustrophobic manner. She did not like the aesthetics of the building. Ms. Melody Marr, CEO Chamber of Commerce, noted that the community had been waiting a long time for this theater. She noted that the visitors and tax revenue were needed badly in Alameda, Planning Board Minutes Page 11 June 27, , 2005 | PlanningBoard/2005-06-27.pdf |