pages: PlanningBoard/2005-06-27.pdf, 12
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
PlanningBoard | 2005-06-27 | 12 | particularly to support police and fire services. Mr. Gene Oh, Alameda Bicycle, spoke in support of this item, and believed the parking structure was also necessary to create a viable and vibrant outdoor downtown. Ms. Deborah Overfield, spoke in opposition to this item, and noted that she had discussed her concerns with Mayor Johnson. She would like to see a two level parking structure, and only one screen instead of multiple screens. She realized this project had been going on for a long time, but did not believe the current design fit Alameda's character. She was very concerned that the new structure would block the Twin Towers Church, which had just installed new stained glass. She believed that more people should walk in town and not worry so much about parking. She did not like the design at all. Ms. Valerie Ruma, spoke in opposition to this item, and noted that she would speak on Items 8-A and 8-B simultaneously. She realized that a lot of work had gone into this project, and believed that many Alameda citizens were not aware of the reality of the designs. She noted that some of the recipients of the RFP were not in an appropriate position to do the work, and was not surprised that there were so few responses. She believed the height of the buildings were excessive, and while they did not exceed the decorative structures of the nearby buildings, the structure did overwhelm the main adjacent structures. She suggested that there be sensitive renovation of the Alameda Theater to its original three screens, elimination of the Cineplex building, which would allow for a more distributed parking solution, and public open spaces or smaller scale retail included in the design. Ms. Rosemary McNally, 2145 San Antonio, spoke in opposition to this item. She had attended or watched many HAB and Planning Board meetings, and believed that the general public had only recently understood what was happening. She opposed the 20-inch overhang, and to it being SO close to the street. She suggested building a big theater in Harbor Bay if the City wanted the revenue. She did not believe the decision must be made at this time, and believed that there was more information to be heard. Ms. Birgitt Evans, 2829 San Jose, spoke in opposition to this item, and complimented staff on summarizing her comments on June 13, 2005. She agreed with Bruce Anderson's Section 106 review, as well as HAB's comments on the design of the Cineplex. She noted that four out five members of the HAB recommended that the architects "go back to the drawing board." She complimented the project architects on their Deco-style cinema in Livermore, and would like to see a design like that in Alameda. She particularly liked the strong vertical elements. She noted that most proponents of the Cineplex had a vested financial interest in it. She believed that Alameda should have a better design for such a major project. Mr. Anders Lee spoke in opposition to this item. He believed this could be a much better design, and stated that there was considerable public opposition to this design. Mr. Vern Marsh spoke in opposition to this item. He did not like the proposed design, and would favor the designs suggested by the other speakers. He would like a smaller-scale theater such as the Orinda Theater. He believed the transit congestion on and off the Island would not attract visitors Planning Board Minutes Page 12 June 27, , 2005 | PlanningBoard/2005-06-27.pdf |