pages: PlanningBoard/2007-12-10.pdf, 7
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PlanningBoard | 2007-12-10 | 7 | Board Member Lynch believed that in this case, the quandary was to either bring the business into a legal status, or allow the business to continue as is. Mr. Thomas noted that, for instance, Bridgeside Shopping Center would be a legal, nonconforming use. Board Member Lynch believed there should be one policy from the City that would be consistently applied. He agreed that staff was heading in the right direction with this document. Mr. Thomas invited Board comment on whether staff was in the right ballpark with respect to the 30,000 square foot policy, and whether that made sense. The Planning Board generally agreed that staff was headed in the right direction. Board Member Lynch suggested that when staff brought the nonconforming item back to the Planning Board, that three or four examples be provided and walked through to provide more detail for the Board and the public. Board Member Lynch left the meeting following Item 9-A. 9-B. Review and comment on the proposed Economic Development Strategic Plan - Citywide - Applicant - City of Alameda. Mr. Eric Fonstein, Economic Development Coordinator, Development Services Department, presented the staff report. President Cook complimented the EDC on a well-crafted document. She suggested addressing each point in order. Mr. Fonstein noted that staff would incorporate the Board's comments in a document to be presented to City Council. Strategy 1: Create Industrial and Office Jobs President Cook noted that there was not much discussion of maritime businesses, which was a rich part of Alameda's history and a significant part of Alameda's attraction to visitors. She would like to see those businesses retained. Vice President Kohlstrand noted that the stated goal for business parks to attract more restaurants and transit facilities was good, but that they were built as single-use developments, and were not very conducive to people walking around because the uses were spread out. She noted that the land use patterns were significant to how the uses were integrated to begin with, to help generate pedestrian uses. Board member Ezzy Ashcraft noted that page 5 discussed business retention forums, and added that Mr. Fonstein contributed a significant amount of time and effort to those forums and meetings. She had read that the City's vacancy rates were higher than others Page 7 of 12 | PlanningBoard/2007-12-10.pdf |