pages: PlanningBoard/2005-06-27.pdf, 15
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PlanningBoard | 2005-06-27 | 15 | communities. He noted this was a catalyst site, and believed the developer was trying to respond to the community's concerns as much as possible. He believed the parking structure was critical to the success of downtown businesses. Mr. Robb Ratto, Director, Park Street Business Association, spoke in support of this item. He noted that the Board of Directors voted unanimously in favor of the design, and that the majority of PSBA business owners support the design. He noted that this has been a difficult process, and commended the architect for his design and responsiveness to the comments received. Mr. Frank George, 1419 Park Street, spoke in support of this item. He noted that there was a 10- screen cinema in Twain Harte, a smaller town than Alameda, and that they had no problem filling it. He noted that economic diversity was a critical element of financial success, and that there had been eight theaters in Alameda that functioned at the same time. He noted that this was a centrally-located and oriented parking structure and theater, and that the crossover traffic would benefit the other businesses. He originally thought the building was too massive, but believed it would be a benefit to Alameda. Mr. Harvey Brook, 2515 Santa Clara Avenue, #208, spoke in support of this application, and noted that he was a Park Street business owner. He was aware of the petitions circulating against the project, with approximately 1,800 signatures, 2.4% of Alameda's 75,000 residents. He noted that there would be impacts on property tax revenues if this project did not go forward. He was very concerned that if this project were to be delayed, the City would no longer be able to afford the project. Mr. Walt Jacobs, President, Alameda Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of this item. He noted that this project has been going on for a long time, and that there had been considerable public input. He believed that it was needed to make Alameda more vibrant and attractive to downtown businesses. He believed the design was acceptable, and complimented staff on incorporating the requested changes. The public hearing was closed for Board discussion. President Cunningham called for a five-minute recess. President Cunningham thanked the public for its comments, and noted that financial issues were within the City Council's purview, not the Planning Board's. Because a quorum of four Board members was required for an up-or-down vote, he requested a straw poll of the Board members to determine whether they wished to move the discussion forward. Mr. Lynch noted that a number of different ideas regarding the value and design of this project had been heard. He was not inclined to deny this project because he believed the City was getting close to a workable project. He respected the emotions felt by members of the public, and was ready to move forward with this project. He encouraged Alameda citizens to continue to be involved with the process. Planning Board Minutes Page 15 June 27, , 2005 | PlanningBoard/2005-06-27.pdf |