pages: PlanningBoard/2015-03-09.pdf, 7
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PlanningBoard | 2015-03-09 | 7 | if Alameda was ready for more houses. He believed that it was a great idea to repurpose old and abandoned buildings in the City. These townhouses will be very expensive, and wondered how many future residents will be taking the bus to and from their destination. He appreciated that the City is looking to improve Clement Avenue as a thoroughfare, but said that there needs to be more infrastructure in the city. Ms. Jennifer Heflin, resident, said that Alameda's small businesses are part of the City's charm, but wondered if the condominiums and townhomes would add to the community feel. She feared that the addition of condominiums and townhouses would lead to a destruction to the feeling of community that makes Alameda unique. Ms. Dorothy Freeman, resident, spoke against the project. She said that there is not enough infrastructure to support the new residents moving into the area. She said that the Northern Waterfront has only 1/6 of the park space it should have. There is not enough open space for current residents, and asked for the Board to consider the effects of new development on the current residents of the Northern Waterfront. Mr. Bill Smith, of Renewed Hope Housing Advocates, said he was encouraged by the project. He said his group wanted to see more open space at the site, and said he agreed with previous speakers about parking and traffic issues. Mr. Smith said that he wanted to see affordable housing spread throughout the development, and was concerned that all of the homes would be owner-occupied, which presents issues for affordable housing groups. Ms. Karen Bey, resident, spoke in favor of the project. She said she likes that there are many wonderful aspects to the project. The current market for housing suggests that homeowners are going to use transit. They are paying high property taxes, and that homeowners in this development will be near public transit, which will also alleviate traffic issues. Ms. Bey said that the new residents will also walk to Park Street and spend their money there. She spoke favorably of the developer's other projects in Oakland, and expressed hope that the developers will create a similar project in Alameda. Mr. Noe Valenzuela, resident, said that he recently bought a rehabilitated Victorian house. He said that there are many economic and environmental benefits of having a walkable community in Alameda. He said he was very excited about the project, and that it should proceed if it follows the City's guidelines. The Board closed public comment. Board Member Tang asked Mr. Thomas if the parcel was originally zoned commercial. Mr. Thomas said that the property was rezoned for residential use in 2009. Board Member Burton said that his neighbors ride public transit as much as anyone else in the City, even though their houses are much more expensive. He is supportive of having housing on this site, but is less supportive of the project as a whole. He said that there need to be more access points to the development in order to disperse the cars coming in from one point. He agreed with the developer's attempt to keep the buildings in proportion Approved Regular Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 8 March 9, 2015 | PlanningBoard/2015-03-09.pdf |