pages: PlanningBoard/2022-02-14.pdf, 6
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PlanningBoard | 2022-02-14 | 6 | Director Thomas explained why those items stilled pertained to the RHNA. Vice President Ruiz asked if Webster had a Uniformed Height. She then wanted to know if WABA's (West Alameda Business Association) design recommendations had been vetted or approved by the Webster Street property owners. Director Thomas said Webster Street had a Uniformed Height and that the property owners had not approved WABA's Design recommendations. Board Member Hom asked about the intent behind raising Webster's height limit. Director Thomas explained what the extra height would be able to allow. Board Member Cisneros asked about Webster being a historic district. Director Thomas explained the history and background of Webster. Park Street had a designated Historic District and Webster Street did not, he explained more on that. Board Member Rothenberg discussed a letter sent by the AAPS (Alameda Architecture Preservation Society) that discussed height increases in and out of historic areas. She also discussed Harvey Rosenthal's thoughtful comments about Neptune Plaza. She believed he had made a very strong business case and was worthy of deliberation. Director Thomas discussed Neptune Plaza and the several emails with Mr. Rosenthal. He believed the staff's recommendation was a compromise between what Mr. Rosenthal wanted and what WABA's Design committee wanted. He then discussed how they looked at Historic areas and why they were not looking at down-zoning. President Saheba opened public comment. Betsy Mathieson was excited by the return of residential over commercial on Park and Webster Street. She was also pleased to see the emphasis on visibility active uses of storefronts. She also believed that opaque storefront windows had no place in Alameda's downtowns. She also strongly agreed with the height limits suggested by the AAPS. Karen Bey believed the height limits and zoning changes for Park and Webster Street should be the same as it would eliminate confusion. She also supported Neptune Plaza getting a Multi-Family overlay. Josh Geyer was very excited to hear about the proposed upzoning for the main streets in Alameda. He discussed the many benefits this would allow. Jay Garfinkle felt that Staff Member Tai's image showing building heights was not accurate. He was concerned about the lack of parking on Webster and suggested that all Draft Planning Board Minutes Page 6 of 10 February 14, 2022 | PlanningBoard/2022-02-14.pdf |