pages: PlanningBoard/2019-09-23.pdf, 6
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PlanningBoard | 2019-09-23 | 6 | Board Member Teague asked how the Density Bonus law interacts with the streamlining law. Staff Member Tai said that the Density Bonus law also refers to objective standards and that staff would use these same guidelines as a checklist. He said an applicant could ask for waivers from the objective standards under Density Bonus. President Curtis opened the public hearing. Christopher Buckley, Alameda Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS), said that the standards should be beefed up. He said the standards should address context within historic neighborhoods to ensure good design results like the Mulberry project and the Eagle and Everett affordable housing projects. He said there is no discussion of surface materials. He described some of the items they included in their two letters on the issue. President Curtis closed the public hearing. Board Member Rothenberg suggested that a ninth guideline for architecture be added that references the design manual. Board Member Hom said a lot of cities are scrambling to adopt these standards. He said he agreed with some of the suggestions by the AAPS. He suggested that staff review the recently adopted objective standards in the City of Fremont. Board Member Teague said that there are two bills heading for the Governor's desk that will impact our ability to pass non-objective standards and make changes to the streamlining law. He said he wants the standards to ensure quality but not prevent development in Alameda. He said he does not want standards that would prohibit units that were affordable by design because of something like garage standards. Board Member Cavanaugh said Alameda has a very different feel in different parts of the city. He said the development that replaced the old Lincoln School did not blend in with the neighborhood and he hopes to prevent occurrences like that. Board Member Saheba said it can be difficult to define objective standards when design is the subject. He said that it may be best to focus on zoning type standards like setbacks and height limitations. He said some of the guidelines need to be more specific to bring clarity to a developer. Board Member Curtis said he welcomes any comments from Mr. Buckley. He suggested a standard that would prevent new construction from deviating substantially from the neighborhood context. Approved Planning Board Minutes Page 6 of 8 September 23, 2019 | PlanningBoard/2019-09-23.pdf |