pages: PlanningBoard/2006-11-13.pdf, 11
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PlanningBoard | 2006-11-13 | 11 | Mr. David Kirwin noted that many of the comments made on the Draft EIR had not been addressed, and he would like to see an overall plan before moving forward. He disagreed with using a piecemeal plan for such a large project. He was concerned about the addition of second stories in the shopping center. He was concerned about the potential increase in vandalism and graffiti, and added that he had observed that when he worked with Target in a maintenance capacity. He wanted to ensure that an unmanageable traffic situation did not develop from this project. Mr. Tim Erway noted that he did not object to Target as a store, but added that all the Target stores he has seen are on large boulevards or off freeway exits. He commended Harsch for their work on the center so far, and believed that it looked very good. He was concerned about the increase in building heights, as well as the traffic. He did not believe this location was appropriate for a Target store. He had attended several Traffic Commission meetings, and believed the entrances should be made into real driveways with a barrier between traffic and pedestrians. Ms. Rela Graber would like the developer to discuss pedestrian safety in addition to bicycle traffic. She had heard of two serious pedestrian accidents in the center, and believed the left-hand turn was too piecemeal to be safe. She would like the access past the Post Office to be closed off and turned into a minipark. Ms. Lucy Gigli, Bike Alameda, was pleased to see the changes that had been made, and would comment on the bike/pedestrian items upon further examination of the plans. She was concerned about pedestrian safety at the east-west sidewalk parallel to Otis between Trader Joe's and Safeway, and would like pedestrian habits to be integrated into that plan. Ms. Susan Decker echoed the previous speakers' compliments regarding the center, and expressed concern about pedestrian safety through the corridor cited by Ms. Gigli. She noted that she was neutral on the placement of a Target in the center, but expressed some concern that the Craftsman design might be more appropriate for smaller buildings. She submitted some design options to the Board. Mr. James Leach, Global Perspectives Engineering Services, supported bringing more revenue into Alameda, and recognized that there would be tradeoffs. He believed the traffic leaving the Island going to other Targets would be reduced. He commended the developers for going to the extra effort of putting the parking structure below the main service. He would like the 9-foot-wide parking spaces to be widened to 10 feet from the center, and to double-stripe them. Mr. Aron Sober noted that he was concerned about living so close to a Target store, as well as pedestrian safety for the children going to school and the beach. He was concerned about traffic congestion, pollution and noise. He was unsure how much shoppers the new center would attract. Ms. Marilyn Schumacher noted that she would rather ride her bike to shop at a local Target rather than drive off-island. She wanted to ensure the scale would be adjusted, and noted that riding her bike to the center via Otis was a scary event for her. She inquired how the bike traffic would be routed, and asked the Board to consider pedestrian and bike safety. She requested that the shopping carts be trapped on the Target lot so they would not be left in the surrounding neighborhoods. Planning Board Minutes Page 11 November 13, 2006 | PlanningBoard/2006-11-13.pdf |