pages: PlanningBoard/2006-11-13.pdf, 19
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PlanningBoard | 2006-11-13 | 19 | Ms. Dorothy Reid noted that she understood the resolutions in 2003 would direct the process as written. She believed that when a redevelopment plan was submitted, that trumped any existing entitlement if they planned to do the development. She believed this was a different design, and inquired what could be expected with this PDA. She was concerned that building a 48-foot-tower might set a precedent, and was not convinced that South Shore needed a marker for identification. She would like to see some options that were not as tall. Ms. Cathy Leong noted that she was former president of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, and urged the Planning Board to allow Harsch to move forward with the plans for buildings 300, 400 and 500 as designed. She was concerned that if the plans continued to be delayed, the City would not reap the benefits of the tax revenues and that the tenants would not wait indefinitely for resolution of this issue. She noted that a piecemeal approach was a common reality of retail centers. She believed this shopping center was finally making a log-awaited turnaround, and urged the Board to support smart business development. She believed Target's underground parking would not be a security issue, and noted that she grew up near Target's headquarters. She concurred that Alamedans do not go to where there was trouble. She believed that the silent residents of Alameda that do not attend the meetings spoke during the election and would support this project. Mr. Randy Kyte, Harsch Development, noted that this was a redevelopment of an existing shopping center, and was not a ground-up development; he noted that a piecemeal approach was normal for such a situation. He noted that the tower could be lowered, but did not believe that would be the proper design approach to take for that building; he disagreed with the "piecemeal" label, and noted that in a year, a design would be available for the Board to examine with the exception of Building 900. The public hearing was closed for Board discussion. President Lynch wished to address the assertions made by some speakers that the resolutions approved in 2003 should be adhered to by this Board. He advised that the staff report included the new resolutions that would become the resolutions of record if this item were to be approved. Member Cunningham agreed with the architect that a corner element would be a benefit to the center. He believed the scale and size matched the larger stores in the center such as Safeway. Member Kohlstrand noted that there were quite a few one-story buildings in the center that are between 33 to 38 feet high, and expressed concern about the increasing height in the center. Vice President Cook shared the concerns about the bootstrapping of the compatibility of the scale of the existing center, and believed the project had become even bigger than what had been just built. She was unsure whether she could make the finding that the project was compatible with the rest of the site and neighboring properties. She would need to hear from the City Attorney and Planning Director regarding the PDA. Member Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether there was a specific condition in the previous resolution that was problematic. Vice President Cook noted that condition about the internal circulation was a significant for her, as well as the number of bus stops and parking space locations. She liked the Planning Board Minutes Page 19 November 13, 2006 | PlanningBoard/2006-11-13.pdf |