pages: PlanningBoard/2021-06-14.pdf, 6
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PlanningBoard | 2021-06-14 | 6 | Director Thomas said yes, most residential projects had taken advantage of the density bonus. The only way to build multifamily housing in Alameda was to get a waiver from Measure A through the Density Bonus waivers. Also, Alameda was unique since they don't allow developers to buy out of the Affordable Housing requirement. Vice-Chair Sanchez asked about the zoning for the Harbor Bay Club and Shopping Center. He thought both of those locations were already zoned to allow housing if the owners wished to exercise that right. Director Thomas said that was true for the Shopping Center, it was zoned C2-PD which allowed residential above ground-floor retail. For the Harbor Bay Club, which has the same zoning C2-PD, the current General Plan has it designated as "Commercial Recreation" and the new General Plan has it at "Community Commercial" to be consistent with site's existing the C-2 PD zoning. Vice-Chair Sanchez addressed comments about encouraging more contemporary design. He agreed that historic monuments and districts should be protected but thought that diverse and eclectic architecture could make an area successful. He used the area around the UC Berkeley Campus as an example. He believed that as long as design was done thoughtfully and in areas where it was warranted modern architecture could be at home next to more historic structures in Alameda. He thought that more enforcement was needed for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to make sure those units are made available as affordable housing. He was not opposed to trying to accommodate RHNA requirements throughout the island as opposed to trying to stack them all up in one place. Board Member Ruiz expressed her gratitude to the staff and the public speakers. She first wanted to acknowledge the history of red-lining before discussing land-use policies. When people talked about maintaining current community character and putting multi-family zones in specific areas, she asked whether this is another form of subtle red-lining. She also supported Vice-Chair Sanchez's comment about how contemporary architectural styles can be cohesive in existing neighborhoods. She also discussed the rezoning of Harbor Bay Club and Shopping Center, she saw it as more of an infrastructure issue related to the connectivity between Bay Farm and the rest of the island. Future infrastructure planning should include upgrading or improving that connectivity. Board Member Hanson Hom thanked the public speakers and noted that the many public comments were very thoughtful. He recognized the difficult decisions that needed to be made. He agreed that the General Plan will need to increase densities at appropriate locations, and he suggested a more granular look at where higher density would be best since a one size doesn't fit all approach will not work for all Alameda neighborhoods. He also supported looking at removing the housing unit cap at Alameda Point, but was sensitive to the issue of equity. He also acknowledged that all of Alameda would need to share in the burden of accommodating the additional housing units. He was not in favor Approved Planning Board Minutes Page 6 of 14 June 14, 2021 | PlanningBoard/2021-06-14.pdf |