pages: PlanningBoard/2005-11-14.pdf, 3
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PlanningBoard | 2005-11-14 | 3 | 8. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS 8-A. DR05-0045, PF05-0001, V05-0008; John Knowles - 2416 Central Avenue (AT). Applicant requests Major Design Review approval for the construction of a new 5,850 square foot two-story commercial retail/office building in the northeast quadrant of an existing parking lot located between the buildings occupied by the Starbucks cafe and Gallagher and Lindsey offices. The applicant also requests the payment of in-lieu fees and Variance for the additional required parking spaces. The property is located within a C-C T, Community Commercial Theatre Combining District. (Continued from the meeting of October 24, 2005.) Board member Lynch arrived during this item. Staff member Allen Tai summarized the staff report. Dorene Soto of the Development Services Department commented on the Variance and economic aspects of the project. She explained that the City of Alameda does not currently have a parking plan policy for Park Street or Webster Street, where retail businesses could be built out and accommodate historic structures to encourage development. She noted that the City is currently working on a scope of services for a parking consultant to assist in this matter as potential business owners have decided not to do business in Alameda due to the costly parking in-lieu fees. She also noted that the Development Services Department would like to support the applicant in his request for a Variance of five parking spaces. President Cunningham inquired on the calculation of how the in-lieu fees are paid in reference to the code. Ms. Soto responded that the City needed to look at the overall picture. She stated the City would hire someone to review the code as the two downtown streets are different and their needs are different. She stated that she has met with several business owners about coming into the downtown; however, when parking in-lieu fees were discussed, they have stated that they are not willing to pay the fees. Board member McNamara inquired if this project was a new construction. Ms. Soto responded in the affirmative. She noted that the new construction was in the historical district, and was located behind the historic building. Ms. Eliason made a point of clarification to the Board that the project was a new building. Vice-President Cook inquired on the history of the site, if there was some office space added as part of that project in the back of the building. Mr. Tai responded in the affirmative. He noted that office spaces were added to this building in 2001; however, as a result of that project there was a net loss in floor area due to elimination of mezzanine spaces upstairs. Vice-President Cook inquired if the new building that was already approved had parking requirements Planning Board Minutes Page 3 November 14, 2005 | PlanningBoard/2005-11-14.pdf |