pages: PlanningBoard/2006-09-25.pdf, 14
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PlanningBoard | 2006-09-25 | 14 | the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber was in favor of the EIR and smart business development She believed that while Alameda was a residential community, without retail activity, there would be no residents. She noted that there would be more on- and off-island traffic to go to stores in other cities. She noted that many people were concerned about the opening of Trader Joe's, but that it had become a good neighbor. Mr. Gail Wetzork, Chair, Economic Development Commission, 3452 Calecca Lane, spoke in support to this item and echoed the previous two speakers' comments. He noted that when this item came before the EDC, the Commissioners endorsed it unanimously. He believed the impacts could be mitigated, and he agreed with the EIR. Mr. William McAleer, 420 Kitty Hawk Rd., spoke in opposition to this item, and expressed concern about traffic. He noted that the majority of people don't walk, bicycle or carpool to Target, and estimated 900,000 trips to and 900,000 away from Target per year. He noted that the area was full of residential neighborhoods, and he did not believe it was an appropriate use for the neighborhood. Mr. Chris Kovach, 2101 Shoreline Drive, spoke in opposition to this item. He did not believe the EIR addressed the impact of expansion on the Island by Target. He was concerned about the impact of traffics on the community, and believed the congestion would be a safety hazard. Mr. Mark Linde, 2830 Central Avenue #B, spoke in opposition to this item. He believed the traffic study should be redone and noted that the delivery trucks driving down the residential streets would be a safety hazard. Mr. Bob Feinbaum, Oakland, spoke in support to this item. He believed the Target store would provide more variety of goods and services in Alameda. He believed that by improving the public transit access to the center, the traffic impacts would be mitigated. He encouraged Target to use the best design possible for this store. Ms. Susan Sperry, 2101 Shoreline #355, spoke in opposition to this item and noted that she had been hit by a car earlier in the year. She was very concerned about the pedestrian safety in the shopping center, where she had been hit. She noted there were missing stop signs, speed limit signs and sidewalks. She would like the Planning Board to address pedestrian safety in that. Mr. Walt Jacobs, 28 Balleybay, spoke in support to this item and noted that he was immediate past president of the Chamber of Commerce. He understood people's fear of change and growth, but believed the benefits outweighed the challenges of the EIR. Mr. Eric Scheuermann spoke in opposition to this item. He noted that Target had projected an annual gross revenue of $50 million; of that, $38 million will come from Alameda residents, which is $500 per year for every person in Alameda. He was unsure whether that was a realistic figure. He acknowledged the City staff's estimate of retail leakage to off-Island Targets. He was very concerned Planning Board Minutes Page 14 September 25, 2006 | PlanningBoard/2006-09-25.pdf |