pages: PlanningBoard/2007-07-23.pdf, 4
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
PlanningBoard | 2007-07-23 | 4 | Ms. Kathy Wagner, owner, Mariner Square Athletic Club and Bayside Pavilion, noted that she was now the owner of the property located at 2203 and 2227 Mariner Square Loop; her property was adjacent to two sides of the Catellus/ProLogis project. She noted that she had been excited about this project and had attended most of the meetings. She had met with staff earlier in the day, and expressed concerns about the plans. She requested that the Planning Board deny approval of the landscaping plan and site improvements in its entirety for Fifth Street, Willie Stargell and Mitchell Avenue extensions. She noted that the plan of the road on Stargell did not allow access into her existing business, and she had responsibilities to her existing tenants, who had access through Tinker Avenue, which would become Willie Stargell. She added that large semi trucks had access to drop off food for Gourmet Rail Services, which provided the food for Amtrak Trains. She noted that would cause a problem in their parking area if they were to lose access from Tinker Avenue. She understood that the City had not yet acquired the property from the College of Alameda, and believed it would be premature for the City to approve a plan when it did not yet own that property. She was concerned that things may change dramatically if the City did not acquire that property. She believed that if the City approved any portion of the street improvements, it would affect what happens on the Mariner Square property. Therefore, she did not believe the City should approve any of the landscaping or site improvements on Fifth Street, Willie Stargell or Mitchell Avenue until more discussion and planning has taken place. Mr. Gail Wetzork, 3452 Capella Lane, spoke in support of this project, and believed it was very well done. With respect to the area property owners, he believed this project will beautify the Northern Waterfront and will economically benefit the City. He believed this was the best version of the project that had come before the City. Ms. Melodie Marr, Alameda Chamber of Commerce, 1416 Park Avenue, spoke in support of this project. She suggested removing Willie Stargell, and approving the other two streets in order to allow staff to work with Ms. Wagner on Stargell. She had long been concerned about the lack of facilities in Alameda where events could be held, and would like the project to move forward. The public hearing was closed for Board discussion. Mr. Thomas noted that staff brought the three streets forward with one staff report because they felt it was important to ensure that the landscaping materials were consistently and logically organized with respect to the planting and landscape plans for the three separate projects. There was otherwise no real reason why all three streets should be held up over the concerns of a portion of the landscape plan for one street. He noted that the Mitchell Extension was a required portion of this project to serve the Clif Bar project. He noted that Fifth Street was also essential, and that the City must move forward on that street. Staff was aware of the potential uncertainties with the acquisition of the land for the Tinker project. Staff did not see the need to hold up all three streets over the issue of the easement. He noted that the City owned a street easement across Ms. Wagner's property, which was specifically for the extension and expansion of Tinker/Willie Stargell. He described the easement, which was used for parking and access; he noted that it was a paved but fairly Page 4 of 9 | PlanningBoard/2007-07-23.pdf |