pages: PlanningBoard/2008-08-11.pdf, 9
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
PlanningBoard | 2008-08-11 | 9 | Blake Brydon, President of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of the proposal and the EIR. He believes the review completed on traffic and the EIR is thorough. He believes the development company has exceeded expectations, and the need for jobs and sales tax in Alameda is important. Melody Marr, CEO Alameda Chamber of Commerce, asked that the Board approve the proposal. The Chamber is planning a "Shop Alameda" promotion and as auto dealerships in the city close, it is important to encourage new sources of revenue to maintain city services. Claire Risley spoke in opposition to the proposal. She is a resident on Grand Street and at times it resembles the 880 freeway. She urged the Board not to approve the EIR. She does not think it provides a complete analysis of the traffic. She would prefer that a decision on the proposal be delayed until current ongoing construction is approved, vacant sites are occupied, then perform an analysis of the traffic. She distributed a site plan that shows vacant space in the center. Holly Sellers spoke in opposition to the proposal. She asked the Board not to certify the EIR until all questions are addressed. Since the draft EIR was published no new information has been added. She believes the proposal gives the applicant a blank check to construct a parking garage with fewer transit improvements than required in 2003. The sidewalk promised before Safeway opened has not been put in. She believes the parking ratio is not high enough. Dorothy Reid spoke in support of allowing what has already been approved to be built. She is opposed to any additions or changes. She would prefer to see the applicant complete what has been approved then another traffic study should be done to assess impacts. She doesn't believe there is any harm in denying the EIR and the expansion, and revisiting the applicants request after completion. Christine Healey previously provided comments to the Board regarding noise impacts on the neighborhoods surrounding the Centre. She has spoken with neighbors some of whom are elderly and English may not be their first language. The neighbors have complained of the noise. She is not against growth, but is against a diminished quality of life and lower property values. She does not support extension of business hours at the Centre or 24 hour truck deliveries. John Mascali spoke in support of the proposal. He has worked with Harsh and although he is not a tenant if the Centre, Harsch has been great to work with. He owns two Burger King franchises nearby. Sales have dropped with the new development but he is in support of the center, and believes it is good for the community. The sidewalk issue and noise are both attributable to Burger King, and he is changing his business to take care of these issues. He supports approval of the proposal and certification of the EIR. Page 9 of 21 | PlanningBoard/2008-08-11.pdf |