pages: PlanningBoard/2005-09-26.pdf, 4
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
PlanningBoard | 2005-09-26 | 4 | Mr. Piziali suggested that a parking garage would help. Ms. Kohlstrand inquired about the possibility of stacked parking. Ms. Eliason noted that because the Use Permit process allowed the amount of parking to be varied, that neither a Variance process or in-lieu fees were included with this application. Ms. Kohlstrand supported this type of use on Park Street, and would like the City to benefit from the in-lieu fees when able. Ms. McNamara inquired about the nature of the retail businesses, and whether those spaces could be used at a reasonable hour by the residents. Mr. Calpestri noted that the present tenants operated during normal business hours (approximately 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). They planned to change tenants, but expected that the parking would be available to the apartments in the back. He added that the bar on the corner did not use those spaces. President Cunningham advised that another speaker slip had been received. M/S Mariani/McNamara and unanimous to reopen the public hearing. AYES - 6 (Cook absent); NOES - 0; ABSTAIN - 0 The public hearing was reopened. Ms. Karen Backowksi, 2421 Marti Rae Court, spoke in opposition to this item, and noted that she recently moved to Alameda. She believed that more apartments would worsen the parking situation, and was concerned that the employees of the businesses would park in the residents' parking spaces. She was also concerned that the property values would be negatively impacted. Her unit did not have off-street parking. Mr. Knopf noted that he sat on the City's Transportation Technical Team, which is charged with examining parking issues. The difficulty of finding parking in residential areas has been a significant topic of discussion, and the Director of Public Works, Matt Neclario, has spoken about residential parking permits as being a long-term solution for this type of problem. Parking permits do not generally cover their costs, which would be a budget issue for the City. The Committee does see the permit plan as being a priority for residential neighborhoods. The planned parking structure for Central and Oak was intended to address parking shortfall for the existing businesses in the downtown area, in addition to the parking demand generated by a theater renovation project. The public hearing was closed for Board discussion. President Cunningham noted that parking permits would contribute to the quality of life for the neighborhood residents. Ms. Kohlstrand had spoken with business representatives and downtown employees, who expressed concern that there was no long-term parking in downtown Alameda. Planning Board Minutes Page 4 September 26, 2005 | PlanningBoard/2005-09-26.pdf |