pages: PlanningBoard/2015-02-23.pdf, 6
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PlanningBoard | 2015-02-23 | 6 | Ms. Trish Spencer, Mayor of Alameda, spoke in her individual capacity, said the Council did not vote on the issue. She said she attended the Disability Commission's meetings, and said that the discussions at that meeting urged for all amenities to be accessible. She said that the land on which this project is located is public land. The Board closed public comment. Board Comments: Board Member Köster asked Mr. Thomas about the phasing of the project. Mr. Thomas said that the phasing of the project is very complicated because of the nature of keeping existing buildings as well as constructing new ones. Board Member Köster asked why the affordable housing would be located in one block. Mr. Thomas said that, from a management standpoint, there are advantages to having all of the affordable housing in one place. Ms. Ott added that low-income housing are also funded separately, and therefore have to be concentrated in order to be competitive for funding. The moderate-income housing would be spread throughout the project. Board Member Tang said that he wanted to see more restaurants and retail space spread out, instead of concentrating parking and restaurants in one particular area. He wanted to know if retail could be placed between the commercial and residential areas. Board Member Burton expressed support for low-income senior housing at Site A. He liked how the developer was being very responsible at the site and was providing many public amenities in order to make the transit-oriented. He asked about whether or not Orion Street would be re-aligned; Mr. Thomas explained that they would be moving Orion Street in order to balance the needs of the area in both the short and long-terms. Board Member Burton asked about the gateway to Main Street, and Mr. Israel added that his team will be addressing the gateway to the site in the future. Board Member Köster asked Ms. Phillips about whether or not parking would be on the street, and how such parking plans affected stormwater drainage at the site. Ms. Phillips explained that parking and trees are, for the most part, in the same alignment. Mr. Smith explained that affordable housing has to be put together for the benefit of the residents. He suggested that public amenities, such as playgrounds, be integrated for the benefit of all residents. Board Member Knox White expressed concern about the one way couplets, and wanted to make sure that the fire department was acceptable with the planned layout. He still had concerns with the one-way couplets, and said it seemed like there was an empty space that could not be used. He expressed concern about school bus routes, and that they should be extended into Alameda Point. He said that staff should only focus on the Site A area until it is fully built, but not at the expense of the current residents of Alameda Point. He said that the Approved Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 9 February 23, 2015 | PlanningBoard/2015-02-23.pdf |