pages: PlanningBoard/2011-12-12.pdf, 6
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PlanningBoard | 2011-12-12 | 6 | City to qualify for more money, especially affordable housing. Furthermore, he stated that supplying housing will attract businesses and the housing element is part of being a responsible environmental community in terms of energy consumption. He would like to see the plan approved so the City has a chance to see how it works and be able remove the obstacles. So, he would like for the Board and staff to find ways to accelerate the public process and move the first hearing up to February from March. Diane Lichtenstein, Vice President of HOMES, congratulated the Planning Board and staff for their report and advancing planning throughout the year. The Alameda Housing Element will be a huge advantage for the City and will provide housing opportunities for individuals and families who cannot afford market rate housing. Helen Sause, member of HOMES, applauded the staff and the process to achieve HCD approval of the Alameda Housing Element. She first explained that the housing element is critical for the City to receive state funding and for the City to avoid lawsuits. Secondly, she hoped that density will be a non-issue as the City and public move along with the process. She also wanted to see building diversity rather than monolithic suburban style residential housing. Lastly, she believed this housing element will give the City a chance for a variety of housing types. Alameda has successfully provided housing opportunities for low and moderate residents and workers and this is an important aspect and opportunity. Doug Biggs, resident of Alameda and member of HOMES, thanked staff for getting the process started and assembling a good team that knows how to get housing built. He stated that building housing is the main objective and setting aside land and inclusionary housing for income types. He appealed to staff and the Board to use this process to showcase City pride and exhibit the City's accomplishments. Jon Spangler, Alameda resident, commended the Board and staff for moving the housing element forward and filling a long-term gap within the general plan. He believes the lack of compliance is important for the city's funding plus legal liability. He stated that the City must take care of is responsibilities from the state's standpoint and he reaffirmed Doug's statement regarding City pride. He also noted that the City must accomplish more than what they have done in the past (aesthetically speaking) before Measure A was passed. He explained the need for higher density residential developments in the City in order to keep people out of their cars and utilize public transit services. Lois Pryor, member of Renewed Hope Housing Advocates, stated she was really gratified that the City is taking on this difficult task and encouraged the City to have businesses move Draft Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 13 December 12, 2011 | PlanningBoard/2011-12-12.pdf |