pages: PlanningBoard/2006-04-10.pdf, 6
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PlanningBoard | 2006-04-10 | 6 | shifted from the City to Catellus. Ms. Karen Alschuler, SMWM, described the details of the plan and displayed the site plan on the overhead screen. She noted that having a waterfront site brought with it the responsibility to treat it with respect. Mr. Prakash Pintel, SMWM, displayed the plan and described its layout, scope and major components. He noted that they intended to connect Alameda to its waterfront. He noted that a health club would be a good use on the waterfront, with outdoor jogging paths along the waterfront. They favored an integrated transit stop system to serve both the housing and retail uses, and to bring people to the waterfront. He displayed a water taxi system, similar to that used in Vancouver. Ms. Karen Alschuler, SMWM, discussed the waterfront as a way to bring the mixed uses together. She displayed the proposed plan, including new office buildings, the park and the public spaces as they relate to the water views. Their goal was to change this site from derelict to destination. The public hearing was opened. Mr. George Phillips, 901 Park Street, spoke in support of this project. He noted that Catellus has been a good friend and neighbor in Alameda, and believed they worked diligently to be sure the nonprofit organizations were involved in this project. He asked the Board to consider the parking considerations and open space. Ms. Lucy Gigli, President, Bike Alameda, noted that they had worked closely with the East Bay Bicycle Coalition in looking at this project. They would like the Board to use this project as a way to reduce the demand of auto traffic by closing the current gap for bicycles and pedestrians between the West End of Alameda and Oakland. She noted that the bicycle access for that short distance was in the dirty, noisy Posey Tube with a very dangerous and narrow path. She believed this project would open up the opportunity to take the water taxi concept a step further, and would create transportation access for pedestrians and bicyclists. Mr. Randy Renthschler expressed his appreciation for the efforts by the Board and the applicant. He noted that other developments in Alameda, such as the theater, had a strong sense of compartmentalization that did not connect to the rest of the town. He believed this project did connect to the rest of Alameda. He believed that Alameda should be for something, and that in the past, it had been for the Base. He noted that Alameda was unique because of its flatness, making it good for bicycling. He added that some of the best windsurfing and kiteboarding in the country could be found in Alameda; soccer was also a big draw in Alameda. He believed the theme of outdoors activity was reflected in this plan. He noted that he was part of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and would be willing to make his offices open to the developers. The public hearing was closed for Board discussion. Planning Board Minutes Page 6 April 10, 2006 | PlanningBoard/2006-04-10.pdf |