pages: PlanningBoard/2013-01-28.pdf, 2
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PlanningBoard | 2013-01-28 | 2 | Andrew Thomas, City Planner, gave a presentation outlining the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR), the conforming zoning, the Town Center and Waterfront Precise Plan, and the Master Infrastructure Plan (MIP). He stated that the City will use the Planning Board and the public hearing forum as the base to get the community together to discuss the plans for Alameda point. He also mentioned that a Planning Board sub-committee will be formed to steer the process and ensure all agencies and community groups' involvement in the process. He stated that the plan includes 1,425 housing units located throughout the project. President Zuppan opened the public comment period for the EIR. Doug Biggs, Alameda Point Collaborative (APC), stated that the EIR should address quality of life issues for the existing Alameda Point residents during construction such as noise and air quality. He stressed a diversity of housing types and jobs for Alameda residents. Gary Bard, resident and member of the Golden Gate Audubon Society, questioned why the designation on the map no longer states wildlife refuge and is now mapped as federal land. He stated that there should be close interaction between the City's DEIR process and the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) clinic. Diane Lichtenstein, Housing Opportunities Make Economic Sense (HOMES), stated concern for the employment opportunities for local residents and feels that the EIR should address relocating the existing Alameda Point residents during construction. She would like to see a more flexible list of uses to consider changes over time and for the mixed use area to be more integrated. She asked what is the difference between "work-live" and "workplace" housing and there should more types of potential housing listed. A mix of uses should be encouraged to be developed, not simply permitted. She agrees that the EIR should be coordinated with the VA clinic NEPA process. Helen Sause, HOMES, stated the project should include a mix of uses interwoven together along with trails and parks like other areas of Alameda and the streets should connect to existing neighborhoods. She stresses that an exceptional design should be provided; no "snout houses" where the garages are the most prominent features. She stated there should be a mix of housing types and residents' incomes. And a rigorous design review process should be put into place. Also community facilities like a post office, hotel, school, and the like should be included. Ms. Sause stated there should be at least 4,500 units of housing and stated concern over traffic. William Smith, resident, stated that the traffic impacts in Oakland should be considered in the process and the plan should include more dense and multi-family housing to generate revenue to improve the infrastructure. Also because multi-family housing helps preserve the environment and preserve historic resources, and results in more transportation options like transit. He supports coordination with the VA NEPA process and questions the "loss" of the wildlife refuge on the maps. Approved Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 6 January 28, 2013 | PlanningBoard/2013-01-28.pdf |