pages: PlanningBoard/2007-03-26.pdf, 12
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PlanningBoard | 2007-03-26 | 12 | for Measure A. Ms. Brady believed that the Mayor's reelection was an indication of Alameda's support for Measure A. Ms. Selina Faulhaber noted that the current issue was not preserving older homes or building many units at Harbor Bay Isle. She believed the issue was to look at 2008 and beyond, and supported a frank discussion of Measure A. She supported the Planning Board's decision to look at this issue, and noted that the public's opinion would be sought. Mr. David Howard believed that if this committee were to be formed, it should be comprised of members of the public, held in open session in Council Chambers to be televised and videotaped. He did not believe this committee should operate behind closed doors to discuss such a controversial issue. Ms. Diane Lichtenstein noted that the purpose was not to discuss whether Measure A should exist or not, but that a subcommittee would be formed. She was surprised at some of the interpretations of the staff report, and believed the Planning Board had the right to determine who would be on the subcommittee. She was surprised at the fears expressed that the committee would be held behind closed doors, and that the public would not be allowed to attend. She noted that a public forum would be open to the public by its definition. She supported this subcommittee. Mr. David Kirwin was surprised at the doggedness of what he believed to be friends of developers pushing to repeal Measure A. He noted that one of the reasons Alameda was so special was because its density was protected. He was concerned about the framing of the issue and the direction of the workshop. He believed that all of the effects of density should be discussed outside of traffic; he believed that increased crime, social costs and use of City funds should be discussed as well. He noted that access, egress and parking at shopping centers and schools should be addressed as well, and believed the City should also have an exit strategy. He did not believe the City could support much more infrastructure. Mr. Lil Arnerich believed that Measure A made Alameda the livable community it is, and hoped that the Planning Board did not have a preconceived notion about it. He did not believe the dialogue was extraneous, and expressed concern that the Alameda Point-only focus of Measure A would remain as such. He believed that any change to Measure A would eventually spread to the rest of the City. He noted that he welcomed new people to Alameda, and has not heard anyone on the street expressing an interesting in overturning Measure A. He noted that the Planning Board's mission was to serve the people, and reiterated the Mayor's support of Measure A prior to the election. He did not want the Planning Board or staff to front for the developers' interests. He cited several outspoken opponents to Measure A that had since moved out of the City. He urged the Planning Board to vote against this item. Ms. Barbara Thomas noted that the developments that have been criticized by the residents were approved by Planning staff and previous Planning Boards. She noted that Planning Board Minutes Page 12 March 26, 2007 | PlanningBoard/2007-03-26.pdf |