pages: PlanningBoard/2006-10-23.pdf, 14
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
PlanningBoard | 2006-10-23 | 14 | for on-street parking, but believed that there would be room on Blanding and on Clement for an additional nine cars if needed. She understood Member Ezzy Ashcraft's design concerns, and believed the current design of the new building should be compatible with what was already there. Member Kohlstrand believed it was exciting to have an office building in downtown Alameda, where the workers could support the existing businesses and a new café. She would like to see more buildings like that, and she was comfortable with the variance. She was concerned about the consistency of the application of the in lieu fees, and she tended to act in favor of the variances over the in lieu fee. She agreed with Member McNamara's comments about the design in terms of integrating it with the existing structures. Acting President Cunningham noted that he did not object to the parking variances, and inquired whether there was a shear wall in the parking area under the building. Mr. Hornberger confirmed that it was a shear wall and a support structure for the structure above. Acting President Cunningham inquired whether removal of the two end spaces in the middle aisle would ease circulation. Mr. Hornberger replied that more spaces would be lost, but added that there was already an adequate 24 feet for backing up. He added that they discussed adding a three-foot backup at the end wall at both sides, and that they would probably convert the three spaces next to the stairway into compact spaces. Acting President Cunningham commented that the existing entrance and the awnings worked very well, and suggested de-emphasizing the two finger maroon elements that protruded into the air, or to bring them in line with the parapet. He also suggested reducing the height of the building in the center element to reduce the visual impact. Mr. Hornberger agreed with that suggestion. Acting President Cunningham inquired what would replace the parking that would be temporarily lost, Mr. Ken Carvalho, Buestad Construction, noted that they planned to park along Oak Street. M/S Ezzy Ashcraft/McNamara and unanimous to extend the meeting to 11:30 p.m. AYES - 5 (Lynch, Mariani absent); NOES - 0; ABSTAIN - 0 Member Kohlstrand would like the street frontage along Blanding enhanced to avoid continuous building massing, and to add pedestrian interest and articulation. In response to Vice President Cook's inquiry regarding the café parking, Mr. Hornberger replied that it would be adjacent to the café itself. He added that there would be two handicapped spaces for the café in the back, and noted that the seating area would face a patio area with a trellis. The public hearing was closed for Board discussion. Planning Board Minutes Page 14 October 23, 2006 | PlanningBoard/2006-10-23.pdf |