pages: PlanningBoard/2021-06-14.pdf, 7
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PlanningBoard | 2021-06-14 | 7 | of a policy that would exclude certain areas from accommodating more units because that would be pitting neighborhood against neighborhood. For the Harbor Bay Club and Shopping Center, he saw nothing in the proposed General Plan classification of Community Commercial that would eliminate the ability to have a recreation center at the Harbor Bay Club as the zoning currently allowed housing. He supported revising the language in LU 26-B and 17-B, but suggested clarifying the meaning of "contemporary" since it could be interpreted many ways. He was not comfortable with allowing multi-family residential in all zoning districts including the R-1 because there are inherent differences between lower density single-family neighborhoods and those already with higher densities. Board Member Rona Rothenberg thanked everyone for their comments, she particularly appreciated the comments made by AAPS, WABA, and Mr. Bowling. She also thought it was a very good staff report and did not take exception to any of the recommendations. She asked that staff look at the conservation, climate, and mobility sections again with equity in mind. In regards to the Harbor Bay Club, she agreed that it is an important community resource and that there should be consideration to protect the Club to ensure its longevity since it was originally established an amenity for the housing development. She also acknowledged public comments about historic character and thought the current language around historic architecture and modern architecture was appropriate. Board Member Alvin Lau noted there is a housing crisis in California and the need to build more housing, and he acknowledged the public comments about fears and concerns about over-development and loss of historical character. He asked about future transportation plans as new development would bring about more traffic and wanted to know the status of the City and BART's efforts for an Alameda BART station. Director Thomas discussed how the General Plan addressed many challenges facing Alameda over the next 20 years, such as transportation and climate change. He believed this General Plan took into account and planned for everyone's needs. He then discussed the new bus line planned that would cross all of Alameda. He explained that the City was in regular conversations with BART about a future BART station in Alameda. However, Director Thomas also noted that this is a very long-term project. Board Member Lynn Jones appreciated everyone's comments and seconded Board Member Wit's comment about making Alameda a destination and a city to be proud of. She echoed the comments about preserving the beauty and essence of Alameda and didn't want to neglect the history of the island. She asked staff for an explanation of the status of the Navy cap. Director Thomas said they had had conversations with the Navy about increasing or removing the cap. To eliminate the cap or significantly change the cap would require much higher levels of authority within the Navy than the staff level discussions that had been taking place. He discussed other ways the staff had reached out to help such as including Approved Planning Board Minutes Page 7 of 14 June 14, 2021 | PlanningBoard/2021-06-14.pdf |