pages: PlanningBoard/2013-01-28.pdf, 4
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PlanningBoard | 2013-01-28 | 4 | include a mixed-use development and workforce housing. Dale Smith, RAB, stated that the RAB members should be included on the stakeholders list for the Alameda Point project. She stated that the large contamination plume adjacent to Seaplane Lagoon precludes any construction there, even for employment uses, according to EPA standards. Also she believes it's not necessary to retain all buildings in the historic district as there are many non-contributory buildings that could be demolished without major impacts. President Zuppan closed the public comment period for the EIR. President Zuppan asked why the designation on the map no longer states wildlife refuge and is now mapped as federal land. Jennifer Ott, Chief Operating Officer, Alameda Point, stated that the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Navy are preparing a NEPA document for the proposed VA clinic. Work on this project has been ongoing for several years, but the VA finally obtained a favorable Biological Opinion from USFWS in August 2012, and the project is now moving forward again and it will involve a transfer of some federal land from the Navy to the VA for an outpatient clinic and columbarium. Ms. Ott said the VA and Navy will conduct public outreach, but no dates have been set. Also the Navy was originally going to transfer the land to USFWS for a formal wildlife refuge, but that plan fell through which is why the current maps identify "federal lands" rather than "wildlife refuge"; although the City remains supportive of a refuge, there is no formal plan to create one. She did mention however, much of the federal land around the old runways, where least tern live, will remain undeveloped. Board member Knox White stated that he wants an analysis of the fiscal feasibility of the Alameda Point plan and the EIR should do this in connection with the Plans & Policies analysis, since it is a policy of the City that redevelopment of Alameda Point should be economically viable. Also regarding EIR alternatives, he mentioned the Wilson, Roberts, and Todd (WRT) Station Area Plan and should be an evaluation done regarding concentrating most housing near the Seaplane Lagoon, with some but less in the Residential Area, so that some land currently proposed for housing could be open space. Vice President Burton stated that the plan needs to look at different types of housing agreeing that higher density housing will have less traffic and environmental impacts. He also stated that the City needs to find out the minimum density necessary to support transit at Alameda Point. President Zuppan stated that the EIR should address "heat islands" and "wind tunnels"; also, light pollution from street lighting, and effects on both humans and wildlife. Mr. Thomas stated that the EIR does not evaluate fiscal issues. The Plans and Policies analysis does evaluate consistency with every City policy. Regarding transit, the City cannot depend on regional transportation funding and the redevelopment of Alameda Point Approved Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 6 January 28, 2013 | PlanningBoard/2013-01-28.pdf |