pages: PlanningBoard/2006-07-10.pdf, 2
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
PlanningBoard | 2006-07-10 | 2 | Smart Codes as an example of addressing and simplifying redevelopment that met the functional and aesthetic goals of that city. She suggested a similar approach in Alameda. Mr. Doug Biggs, 608 Haight Avenue, requested that the Planning Board take up the issue of Measure A and exempting Alameda Point, and to recommend the City Council put it on the November ballot. He realized that Measure A was an emotional issue, and believed that it constrained the diversity of the community by constraining development. He believed changing Measure A would encourage the use of public transit in Alameda. Mr. Scott Brady, 1812 Encinal Avenue, noted that Measure A has done a good job in keeping development in check, and noted that increased development increased traffic. He expressed concern that an exemption of Measure A at Alameda Point would create an undesirable precedent for other development elsewhere in the City. Ms. Helen Sause, 816 Grand Street, submitted a letter to the Board and read it into the record. She noted that Measure A was initiated to preserve Victorian homes, not to prohibit living in condominiums and other multiple units. She believed that neighborhood vitality would be a result of this exemption of Measure A. She would like the City Council to place this issue on the ballot in November. Ms. Joan Konrad, 42 Invincible Court, noted that there was a disconnect between what was envisioned for Alameda Point and the FISC property, and how it is being developed under Measure A. She noted that because of Measure A's constraints, development at Bayport has been built as a monoculture of large homes, which was different than the transit-oriented, mixed-use environment that de-emphasized the automobile as called for in the General Plan. She believed that Measure A was an untouchable policy in Alameda, but it has resulted in nondiverse neighborhoods. She encouraged this issue to be put on the November ballot. Ms. Gretchen Lipow, 2242 San Antonio, noted that if the City Council put Measure A regarding Alameda Point on the ballot, it would be a Council initiative, not a voter initiative. She noted that Measure A was initially put on the ballot by a massive grassroots effort, and believed that changing it should be a similar effort. She noted that Oakland's Oak-to-Ninth project should be watched carefully, which would put 3,100 units across the Estuary from Alameda. She opposed putting Measure A on the ballot. Mr. Tom Mathews, president, Renewed Hope, noted that there would be problems at Alameda Point if Measure A is not modified to allow multiple family dwelling of four to five stories, and densities not to exceed 40 units per acre. He noted that transportation and traffic would be a major problem without having more density to support public transit. He requested that the Planning Board recommend that the City Council place this issue on the ballot. Ms. Diane Lichtenstein, 633 Sand Hook Isle, spoke in support of placing the Measure A issue on the ballot. She believed it would create a more diverse neighborhood mix, and would support public transit. She believed that a higher density, mixed use and attractive development would help replace the jobs lost by the closure of the Navy base. Planning Board Minutes Page 2 July 10, 2006 | PlanningBoard/2006-07-10.pdf |