pages: PlanningBoard/2019-03-11.pdf, 7
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
PlanningBoard | 2019-03-11 | 7 | Board Member Teague said the board is constrained in what they can do. They cannot make a moral judgement, but could discuss items like the parking issue. He said the new use in the CC zone requires the board to make a judgement on the parking issue. He said that parking is his biggest concern. He said he would support a one year permit in order to test the effectiveness of the TDM measures and evaluate the parking impacts. Board Member Curtis said the board can decide if the neighborhood is better off with the dispensary or without. He said the lounge would be tantamount to an opium den. He said including the lounge prevents him from supporting the project. He said the lounge presents a hazard to the neighborhood. Board Member Saheba said the window screening on the lounge creates a blank façade and is detrimental to creating a vibrant business district. Board Member Rothenberg concurred with the other board members. She said the operation may be beneficial to the community, but that it does not fit in the neighborhood. Board Member Cavanaugh said finding parking during the farmers' market is extremely difficult. He said we may need to look at a different site. President Sullivan said Webster Street has changed a lot in the time she has been in Alameda. She said there are many children in the neighborhood. She said the large building and the lounge with blocked out windows are a problem for her. She said she does not think this is the right location and would vote no. Board Member Teague said that City staff did not advise the applicant to choose this location, but rather this half-block is the only area along Webster that meets the City Council's location requirements to permit the use. He asked whether the board is able to issue a use permit that prohibits on site consumption. Staff Member Tai said that they can do that, but would want to ask the applicant whether they are willing to remove that component from their application. Board Member Teague said that if the applicant would like to consider that question he would move to continue the item to the next meeting. Board Member Curtis said he would second that motion. Mr. Vicker said that Board Member Teague's suggestion of a one year permit might be a workable solution. He said the owners spent a lot of money designing the project to include a consumption lounge and they would have to evaluate the question of removing it. He said the space would serve multiple purposes besides consumption and suggested that they could tailor the operation plan to address potential concerns. He said the City Approved Planning Board Minutes Page 7 of 10 March 11, 2019 | PlanningBoard/2019-03-11.pdf |