1994-03-15 Specia CIC MinutesMINUTES OF SPECIAL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION
MARCH 15, 1994
The meeting convened at 7:29 p.m. with Chair Withrow presiding.
Scout Troop Pack 1076, Den 5, posted the flag and led the Pledge of
Allegiance. Reverend Robert Keller, Twin Towers United Methodist
Church gave the invocation.
ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Appezzato, Arnerich, Lucas,
Roth and President Withrow - 5.
Absent: None.
MINUTES
94-107 Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Community
Improvement Commission held March 1, 1994.
Commissioner Roth moved approval. Commissioner Lucas seconded the
motion which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
94-108 Report from the Community Development Director Regarding
Status of Park Street Auto Row and Entryway Design Study.
Robert LaRocca, Robert LaRocca & Associates, San Francisco
introduced Kevin Stong, and Nancy Peake, associates in the project;
stated he is pleased to present the results of six weeks of studies
analyzing and working toward presentation of design ideas on a
study basis for a master plan for the rejuvenation of Park Street
and the Entryway to the City of Alameda.
The goal has been to strengthen Auto Row, increase participants in
Auto Row, and the viability of that area by bringing more customers
in and making it aesthetically pleasing; the main concentration at
this time is the area from the bridge to Lincoln Avenue, key items
being looked at for the Auto Dealers are e.g., accessibility,
viability, and to bring more of that trade into Alameda; noted the
major concept is that in each of the sidewalk zones of individual
dealers, small mini-plazas will be created where cars can showcase;
discussed containment; corner treatments; customer parking/diagonal
parking; pedestrian light fixtures; major plantings; palm trees;
restaurants; outdoor dining areas.
Mr. LaRocca noted the architectural sketches on the wall show how,
architecturally, a response can be made to historical connotations,
artifacts, massing texture and scale, present in some of the early
Victorians; and a sketch regarding lighting/color on the bridge;
and a table study model reflects how street delineation, curb cuts
and building massing relate together.
Kevin Stong, Stong & Associates, stated Mr. LaRocca gave a good
overview of the project; details need to be worked out; basically,
Park Street is not well defined and is underdeveloped; and the hope
is that existing auto dealers will bring in additional revenue; he
discussed the car lots, stated the goal is to make the street more
pedestrian friendly and inviting, a window wall has been created at
the open lots, and a vertical element is being considered at
Lincoln Avenue; the City of Alameda was a City of towers, spires
and projections and some of those elements are being considered.
At the request of Commissioner Lucas, plazas, towers, outdoor
dining areas and other areas were pointed out, as well as the
potential for a walking type of mall.
Commissioner Roth discussed with Mr. LaRocca the maintenance of
palm trees, parking, diagonal parking, and the monument proposed
for the intersection.
Mr. LaRocca noted the master plan is conceptual, a consensus of
ideas to look at; and the practical aspect will be looked at in
detail later.
Chair Withrow stated the project is exciting and from a conceptual
standpoint, would be a tremendous enhancement not only to Park
Street and Auto Row but the entire City; and commended the
architects.
Mr: LaRocca commented the repainting and lighting of the Park
Street Bridge is also being considered.
Commissioner Appezzato stated Mr. LaRocca's enthusiasm is
contagious; likes Mr. LaRocca's reference to a residential
community; he likes the initial designs, the idea of Bridge
painting and lighting, palm trees, the towers and possible
advertising on the towers; he looks forward to their provision of
a sequence of events on how to proceed, including with timeframes
and estimated costs, and in what order of priority, what the City
can do, and what the City must do in cooperation with Oakland and
the County because of the bridges; he applauds them for their
comments in the study submitted: that Park Street does not need any
more gas stations or car wash businesses as they destroy the
density of the streetscape; and that the residential neighborhood
around Park Street should be protected and respected.
Commissioner Arnerich stated Alameda County may wish to charge for
painting bridge; inquired what other cities they [LaRocca &
Associates] have worked in.
Mr. LaRocca replied the largest auto row they have done is in
Alhambra; in Fremont, they have done auto dealerships.
Minutes of Special Community Improvement Commission
March 15, 1994 2
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Commissioner Arnerich stated he would like to see how they would
handle a monument; and appreciates the [table] model.
Commissioner Lucas stated she would like to express her support to
Mr. LaRocca; he has shown much vision; has given Council an idea of
what the City can be; his imagination exceeds what she hoped for;
the approach from Oakland with repainted, lighted bridge would make
people aware they are entering a special place; and noted she likes
the palms, towers and the idea of the monument.
Don Roberts, Alameda, stated he shares Chair Withrow's comments;
shares Commissioner Appezzato's comments about the palm trees, but
disagrees with his idea of advertising on towers.
Mark Longley Cooke, Alameda, stated, concerning traffic islands,
there is a problem with the vehicle code and right of way; there is
a small island in Albany they may wish to look at, and addressed
diagonal parking.
Gerhard Degemann, Alameda, stated he thinks the idea is excellent;
and Council should give it a chance; not only Auto Row is being
discussed - the tax base will be enhanced, as well as the City as
a whole; the entrance (concept] for the City is excellent.
Commissioner Lucas moved acceptance. Commissioner Arnerich
seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
ADJOURNMENT
President Withrow adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
R ectfully submitted
DItNE B. FELSCH, CMC
Secretary
The agenda for this meeting was posted in advance in accordance
with the Brown Act.
Minutes of Special Community Improvement Commission
March 15, 1994 3