pages: PlanningBoard/2008-05-12.pdf, 5
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PlanningBoard | 2008-05-12 | 5 | Board member Ezzy Ashcraft observed that this would be dependent on any change in zoning. She inquired about the letter from the Mr. Katzoff, President of the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners (2/21/06), and was surprised when she read the portion of the letter which stated that the FAA reached the same conclusion in determining that allowing residential development on the proposed developmental parcels would not violate the Port's grant assurances: "Moreover, I personally believe that residential is the highest and best use of the parcels, and that the process and provisions set forth in the agreement would maintain and improve the compatibility of land uses at Harbor Bay Isle with existing and future operation and development of the Oakland Airport." She did not think that the personal opinion of the president of the Port Commission would be the same as saying that the Port had already taken a position. She noted that she was curious about the statement, and Googled Mr. Katzoff's name. She found that he was an attorney, and that his firm and his practice had an emphasis on representing real estate owners, developers, contractors, architects and other design professionals. She did not believe that his personal perspective was sufficient to bind the whole Board, and that the attachment to the letter was the Board of Port Commissioners' Resolution 05-280, titled "Resolution Authorizing and Approving an Agreement with Harbor Bay Isle Associates (HBIA) to Neither Object Nor Support Harbor Bay Isle Associates' Application for Approvals from the City of Alameda and Other Regulatory Agencies for Residential Development in a Certain Portion of the Harbor Bay Business Park.' She noted that the title was self-sufficient, and added that Mr. Reedy had compiled an exhaustive document, but she did not want the Board to get beyond what the actual document stated explicitly. President Cook noted that more than five speaker slips had been received. Vice President Kohlstrand moved to limit the speakers' time to three minutes. Board member Cunningham seconded the motion, with the following voice vote - 6. Noes: 0 Absent: 0. The motion passed. The public hearing was opened. Mr. Mel Grant, owner, SFX Preferred Resorts, 1900 North Loop, spoke in opposition to this project. He expressed concern about the negative impact and financial damage of residential encroachment in Emeryville, and presented a video illustrating the results when incompatible land uses are mixed. He did not believe the project should be approved. He noted that the City had no obligation to change the zoning from commercial to residential as requested by the applicant, but may do so if there were compelling reasons in favor of the City and community. He opposed the additional traffic flow that would be generated on Catalina and the adjoining roads by the additional 104 homes. He did not believe a sound wall would stop the increased operations. He noted that a number of businesses had moved to Alameda because of residential encroachment, particularly from Emeryville and Oakland. He believed that further residential encroachment in Alameda would drive businesses away. He expressed concern that having residents directly across the street would unnecessarily increase his business' liability and risk. He believed this would create a hostile environment, dividing the City's economic hub with its residents. He was very concerned about the good Page 5 of 15 | PlanningBoard/2008-05-12.pdf |