pages: PlanningBoard/2006-07-24.pdf, 11
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PlanningBoard | 2006-07-24 | 11 | She noted that she also had an email from Patty Jacobs, a member who could not be present at this meeting, who as a member of GABA wholeheartedly supported this project. She noted the names of other members who did not wish to speak: Bruce Reeves (Reeves & Seidler), Barbara Marchand (Marchand & Associates), Gale Wetlork, Allison Bliss (Allison Bliss Consulting), Renée Kellogg (RK Promotions) and Bernie Matthews (a retired police chief). She and the aforementioned people urged the Planning Board to certify the EIR and to grant all necessary approvals for this project in order to forward it to the City Council. Ms. Marilyn Schumacher, 1829 Clinton, spoke in favor of this item. She wished to bring the "freeway" of the Estuary to the Board's attention, and noted that an effective town dock, such as in Sausalito, could be an economic boon to the City. Ms. Barbara Price, PK Consultants, spoke in favor of this item, and noted that she worked with Catellus on this project. She read the following letter into the record in favor of this item: "Honorable Planning Board members: I am writing as a resident and homeowner in Alameda for the last five years. During this time, I have observed the tedious process required for some projects to receive approval, and speak with others through out governmental approval process. I would like to suggest that the degree of rigor with which projects are recommended and approved related to the factors independent of whether there is a community concern, and whether it fits into Alameda's plans and goals. I have just finished reading the draft EIR for the Alameda Landing project. The project has changed due to the market conditions, and the changes will generate more housing and commercial space, more recreation areas and additional revenues to Alameda through the sale of acreage to afford the additional housing. All projects respond to the best knowledge available for the future. If they did not, many more would fail. It appears consistent with the City's goals and additional housing, in particular affordable housing, and provides additional jobs, as well as a semi-self-contained community, like what is being planned for at Alameda Point. I would provide more retail and commercial options for current residents of Alameda, as well as making our City more robust economically. We all know that the longer the planning process, the more expensive the project, and frequently, the end result is less than originally projected and planned. In time, we are competing internationally for building materials, additional time, costs, money, and we have seen every major project undertaken. As someone who is deeply concerned about the environment, it appears that the environmental issues are handled well. New State standards establish requirements for news buildings and the conservation of energy, or to put it in the other way, require less energy use. Let us put an underused asset to work in the near future. I am encouraging you to give this Planning Board Minutes Page 11 July 24, 2006 | PlanningBoard/2006-07-24.pdf |