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1999-03-03 ARRA PacketAGENDA Regular Meeting of the Governing Body of the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority * * * * * * ** Alameda City Hall Council Chamber, Room 390 2263 Santa Clara Avenue Alameda, CA 94501 Wednesday, March 3, 1999 Meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. City Hall will open at 5:15 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL 2. CONSENT CALENDAR 2 -A. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of February 3, 1999. 3. ACTION ITEMS 3 -A. Report recommending authorization for the Executive Director to execute a 10 -year lease on Building 66 with Nelson's Marine and extend Nelson's existing lease on Building 167 to coincide with term of the Building 66 lease. 3 -B. Report recommending authorization for the Executive Director to execute a 10 -year lease, with an option to purchase, on Building 22 with HCT Investments, Inc. 3 -C. Receive report from the City of Alameda Golf Commission and recommendations from the Golf Commission, BRAG, and Recreation and Parks Commission regarding the golf course design. 4. ORAL REPORTS 4 -A. Oral report from BRAG. 4 -B. Oral report from the Deputy City Manager (non- discussion items). 5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON - AGENDA (PUBLIC COMMENT) (Any person may address the governing body in regard to any matter over which the governing body has jurisdiction, or of which it may take cognizance, that is not on the agenda.) 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE GOVERNING BODY ARRA Agenda -March 3, 1999 Page 2 7. ADJOURNMENT This meeting will be simultaneously broadcast on cable channel 22. The next regular ARRA meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7, 1999. Notes: • Sign language interpreters will be available on request. Please contact the ARRA Secretary at 864- 3400 at least 72 hours before the meeting to request an interpreter. • Accessible seating for persons with disabilities (including those using wheelchairs) is available. • Minutes of the meeting are available in enlarged print. • Audio tapes of the meeting are available for review at the ARRA offices upon request. APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMEDA REUSE AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Wednesday, February 3, 1999 The meeting convened at 5:40 p.m. with Chair Appezzato presiding. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Ralph Appezzato, Mayor, City of Alameda Mark Friedman, alternate to Wilma Chan, Alameda County Board of Supervisors, District 3 Kathleen Ornelas, alternate to Shelia Young, Mayor, City of San Leandro Tony Daysog, Councilmember, City of Alameda Albert DeWitt, Councilmember, City of Alameda Beverly Johnson, Councilmember, City of Alameda Barbara Kerr, Councilmember, City of Alameda Absent: Roberta Brooks, alternate for Congresswoman Barbara Lee Jay Leonhardy, alternate to Jerry Brown, Mayor, City of Oakland CONSENT CALENDAR 2 -A. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of January 6, 1999. 2 -B. Approval of the minutes of the special ARRA meeting of January 14, 1999. 2 -C. Receive report by the ARRA staff recommending the authorization to expend existing City General Fund appropriation for Alameda Point activities. 2 -D. Receive report and recommendation by ARRA staff for approval of a six -month proposed 1999 budget for ARRA market rate housing lease revenue. Member DeWitt moved approval of the minutes as presented for January 6, 1999, and for the Consent Calendar. The motion was seconded by Member Daysog and passed by the following voice vote: Ayes — 5. Noes: 0. Abstentions -0. ACTION ITEMS 3 -A. Receive report and approval of the recommendations from the Base Reuse Advisory Group (BRAG) and ARRA staff regarding U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge Management Plan to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Janice Delfino, Ohlone Audubon Society, 18673 Reamer Road, Castro Valley, requested that Alternative C be considered. She noted that when the Navy turned over the property to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, it would be up to the Service to encourage and increase the least tern colony. She believed that the Service should protect the reason for establishing a refuge, and then, as time goes by, provide for public access. The public hearing was closed for Reuse Authority discussion. Chair Appezzato noted that he visited with the Fish & Wildlife Service the week before, and brought up some concerns. He mentioned that ARRA rejected the premise that the City of Alameda should pay for predator control outside the wildlife refuge, and have asked the Service to fund predator control outside the refuge. That was an early agreement with the Service when the acreage was increased from 390 to 565 acres. Secretary Garamendi agreed in principle to that, and ARRA asked to continue that principle. Chair Appezzato also had a face -to -face discussion with Mr. Barry of the Fish & Wildlife Service, and they would do their best to fund whatever is possible to make this a viable refuge. Chair Appezzato also said that the beautiful land of the refuge should not be marred with the chain link fence or barbed wire. The alternatives were not discussed, because the decision should be worked out between the City of Alameda and the Wildlife Service. He also indicated that the U.S. Navy was able to use the entry and exit from the carrier piers without harm to the least tern. Planner Elizabeth Johnson noted that all of the alternatives in the Management Plan were consistent with the other restrictions that were discussed with Fish & Wildlife, and everything had been worked out, with the exception of the predator fee. Member Kerr noted that the proposed fence would not only be unattractive, but would also be opaque, stretching from the Bay to the Estuary, and out to the Northwest Territories. She added that the narrow channel created an unnecessary danger for small craft, and emphasized that she wished to promote safety as much as possible. Chair Appezzato noted that Mr. Barry's name should be added to the copy of the letter, and that 2 the Washington office should get a copy as well. He added that a restricted lagoon would not be a viable option. Alternate Ornelas shared the concern about the fence, especially the barbed wire on top and the image it would project. She also questioned the need for the slatting on the fence. In response to her question regarding the need for barbed wire, Planner Johnson responded that it was standard issue in all urban refuges, to control access from people. An alternative is being sought for the barbed wire. Chair Appezzato noted that the people in Washington objected to an eight foot high barbed wire fence, and that would be closely examined. Planner Johnson noted that a higher fence with no slats would be effective, so that possible trespassers would see there was nothing to get to. Chair Appezzato emphasized that the City was committed to making the Wildlife Refiige work, and that tremendous compromises were made in the process. He noted that he would sign the letter, and include the comments made during the public hearing. Alternate Friedman moved approval of the staff recommendation, with comments. The motion was seconded by Alternate Ornelas and passed by the following voice vote: Ayes — 5. Noes: 0. Abstentions -0. 3 -B. Receive report of alternative recommendations from the BRAG and ARRA staff regarding the no -cost leases for Buildings 77 and 41 for the Alameda Naval Air and Western Aerospace Museum. The public hearing was opened. Mr. Douglas DeHaan, Alameda Naval Air Museum, 1305 Dayton Avenue, spoke in favor of the issue. He noted the Museum would be a major impact in how the transportation issues would be handled, especially during off - hours. The initial mission of the Museum was to be an education conveyance; the BRAG has made it an economic conveyance as well. Mr. Ron Reuther, ANAWAM, P.O. Box 14264, spoke in support of the proposed museum at Alameda Point. He believed that the potential of this Museum had a strong relationship to his experience as a zoo director. He noted that the Base Reuse Plan said that the Museum would have the ability to lease both buildings. In addition, if the Museum did not require all the space it requested, or if it did not succeed, the ARRA would be able to immediately lease the facilities to other job - generating uses. Ms. Nita Rosen, Alameda Naval Air and Western Air Museum, 1045 Island Drive, spoke in favor of the issue. She will be a coordinator for the gift store at the Museum. She believed that the sentiments of the Mayor, "Honor our past and imagine future" was especially relevant in 3 regard to the mission of the Museum. Chair Appezzato emphasized that the primary issue was financing of the Museum. Ms. Diane Lichtenstein, BRAG, 633 Sand Hook, noted that the revenue projections made by staff for the Hornet attendance, and that there was a 200 percent increase in attendance. In addition, there were 30,000 admissions to the Oakland Western Air Museums in the last year. These figures lend credence to the projections, although she agreed with staff that the grant projections were overly optimistic. While the $500,000 from the State would be greatly appreciated, no check has yet been written. Regarding construction costs, Ms. Lichtenstein noted that a very strong due diligence in that regard. Professional estimators, architects and contractors were consulted, and the City has been consulted regarding the realism of the financial figures. The business plan took an excessive amount of time, which has been frustrating, although the effort is going in the right direction now. Ms. Lichtenstein noted that the Board assured the BRAG that they were on track, and she recommended that they give them the few months to prove their performance. She noted that the ARRA staff was doing its job — to lease Alameda Point — and over 1 million square feet have been leased to date, bringing 1,000 to the Point. She noted that the potential of the Museum would be well worth the wait; they are asking an additional five months. She noted that the Museum was not meant to be a moneymaker, but if the ARRA could wait until July 1, 1999 to make the lease permit. Chair Appezzato noted that was a reasonable request. In response to the Chair's question regarding what would happen between now and July 1, Ms. Lichtenstein responded that they expected them to get the funding and have a strong business plan in hand. Mr. Benjamin Hance, Western Aerospace Museum, noted that the launch of the Museum boiled down to "show me the money." The Museum intended to use their own money to improve the City's buildings, which he considered a fair trade. The City was not expected to support the Museum. The use of Buildings 77 and 41 is seen as a unique opportunity, and they would like the chance to enhance the opportunity. Chair Appezzato noted that the ARRA supported the effort, but added that the Authority was also charged with making the Base work. The major question before the ARRA has been where the line should be drawn regarding viability. He added that the General Fund should not be used in this project. Mr. Jonathan Goldman, WAM /ANAWAM, 35 Embarcadero Cove, Oakland, noted that the Museum was not asking for money from the General Fund, nor for capital contribution from the City. They are asking for the opportunity to make their vision whole, which included the Hornet, 4 Building 77, and the indoor exhibit space that Hangar 41 would provide. Chair Appezzato suggested that the staff should be directed to look for tenants for the space, to provide additional incentive to the Museum Board , and the City would have a tenant for the space. Mr. Goldman replied that the City and the Museum Board shared the same vision. Mr. Franz Steiner, ANAWAM, 501 14th Street, Oakland, presented a visual presentation of the vision for Building 77 and Hangar 41. In response to Member Daysog's question, Mr. Steiner responded that the cost to occupy Hangar 41 and turn it into a museum was $450,000. Considerable funds have been raised, but monies will be easier to obtain once the project is further along. Ms. Marilyn York, ANAWAM, noted that she would like to see Hangar 41 preserved as a monument to the thousands of people who worked in Alameda, and made it a gateway to the Pacific. She emphasized that their selfless dedication should be recognized, and their sacrifices during World War II should be honored. She added that the once in a lifetime history that took place on the home front in Alameda must be preserved. Ms. Barbara Baack, Alameda Naval Air Museum, emphasized that it was important not to let the aircraft deteriorate and suffer corrosion. These buildings are important for future generations to understand the military history of Alameda. Young people, seniors, and tour groups can benefit from the combined museum effort, and she asked the Authority's support in delaying their decision until July 1, 1999. The public hearing was closed for Authority discussion. Chair Appezzato noted that he could support not terminating negotiations at this point. He emphasized that the funds need to be raised, and did not want the City to be viewed as a charitable organization. Member Daysog supported Chair Appezzato in extending the decision until July 1, and also that the ARRA should not turn away any prospective leaseholders during that time period. Alternate Ornelas supported the suggestion to delay the decision regarding the lease until July 1. She expressed concern about allowing staff to market the property in a parallel effort, because it may hinder the Museum Board's efforts to secure funding. It would be important to have a finite deadline, however, to provide a catalyst to complete the business plan.. Member Kerr noted that Hangar 41 is not the only hangar on the Base that needs to be leased. She noted that the $500,000 got through both houses in Sacramento, and reached the Governor's desk. At that point, he decided to shift the money elsewhere, but it did gain the support of Senator Perata. She considered it likely that with a new governor, the $500,000 could be approved. She agreed that the deadline should be extended until the final deadline of July 1. 5 In response to Member Johnson's question regarding marketing efforts for the property, ARRA Facilities Manager Ed Levine responded that they have intentionally not marketed the property. It was offered on an exclusive basis to the Museum, but there have been inquiries on Hangar 41. Mr. Levine noted that he has been hesitant to market it until the fate of the Museum has been determined. Chair Appezzato noted that it would be irresponsible to wait until July 2 to find an alternate tenant. Mr. Levine noted that staff's position is to assess the viability of the business plan, based largely on whether the Museum Board has the money in hand to finance the project. If the plan was seen to be viable, ARRA would recommend finalizing the details of the lease, and executing the lease. In addition, any other potential renter would have to yield to the Museum. Alternate Friedman moved approval to adopt the BRAG recommendation, and to extend the deadline until July 1, 1999. The motion was seconded by Member Daysog and passed unanimously by the following voice vote: Ayes — 5. Noes: 0. Abstentions -0. 3 -C. Receive BRAG report and recommendations regarding tourism as a means of economic development at Alameda Point. The public hearing was opened. Mr. Hugh McKay, McKay Associates/Muirhead Group, noted that tourism has not come forward as a development issue in the past. He believed that tourism could create opportunities not only for Alameda Point, but for the balance of the City as well. He added that the tourism efforts could be fast - tracked, with the help of private enterprise to assist the museums and the parks. He believed that a destination resort hotel with a five -star restaurant and 36 hole golf complex could be implemented. Mr. Ron Reuther, ANAWAM, P.O. Box 14264, spoke strongly in favor of the matter of tourism for Alameda, and believed that the city site was unparalleled in the world. He added that the more tourism destinations there were in the area, the more people would come to visit them. Mr. Vince Mackel, 1020 Dayton, noted that the committee was in need of a master plan, which would increase the attendance at both museums. He observed that the Reuse Plan was not a master plan, and was more of a statement. He suggested that an outside professional group be used to create a comprehensive tourism master plan to benefit the museums, and the community at large. In addition, a master plan would be able to provide tangible evidence of the vision, imagination and interpretations to financiers and other crucial parties. The public hearing was closed for Authority discussion. 6 Member Daysog noted that the phrase "highest and best use" was a red flag for the Alameda Point area. On one hand, a hotel could be a substantial revenue generator, but on the other hand, it cuts into a separate vision of a recreation center. He noted that he did not buy off on point number one at face value, and while it was true, there should be additional phrasing to suggest a complementary or pre- existing community visions as established in the community reuse plan. Member Daysog asked whether the proponents for the other golf course were involved in this review process. Ms. Joan Konrad, BRAG, responded that they did not contact the Golf Course Commission. They made an assumption that they wanted a revenue source from a golf course on the Northwest Territory, and that they should have one that provided the most revenue. She emphasized that a top quality development would attract more tourism to Alameda, and that the details could be outlined at a later date. The Golf Course Commission would be involved in the next phase. Member Daysog noted that the Muirhead Golf Course would be bigger, and would be a greater revenue source. Ms. Konrad did not believe there was a contradiction with the Reuse Plan. Ms. Johnson noted that a revenue generation criterion could lock the ARRA into a corner. Member Daysog suggested adding the phrase to Item number 1, "consistent with the community reuse plan." Member Johnson agreed with Chair Appezzato's suggestion of putting in the phrase "highest and best use," and recognizing revenue generation. Ms. Lichtenstein suggested that it would clarify the issue to say, "the objectives of the development of the Northwest Territory and Northern Shores should include the following." She suggested omitting the development of a golf course complex, because the golf course is not being alluded to. They are alluding to the concept that tourism in that area should be an important component of the economic viability. Chair Appezzato noted that the Base Reuse Plan is undergoing EIS/EIR review, and cannot be changed dramatically without affecting that process. Member Johnson noted that the language should be changed to, "... of a quality consistent with the goal of tourism." Member Kerr questioned whether this was a good time to pass an item like this, given the fragile state of the EIR. Member Daysog responded that by declaring a reaffirmation of the goals and principles, the ARRA would be saying they are not changing the Reuse Plan. Chair Appezzato noted that it was 7 extremely critical to stay with the current Reuse Plan. Member Daysog moved acceptance of the BRAG recommendations and report, with the modifications. The motion was seconded by Member Johnson and passed by the following voice vote: Ayes — 5. Noes: Q. Abstentions -O. 3 -D. Receive BRAG report and recommendations from the BRAG and ARRA staff regarding the future role and responsibilities of the BRAG. The public hearing was opened. There were no speakers on this item. The public hearing was closed for Authority discussion. Mr. Lee Perez, BRAG Chair, noted that the BRAG and ARRA recommendations were the same, except for one item. The only difference was in regard to who they could advise and work with. The relationship should change in a few months, and the difference in that sense is minor. Chair Appezzato agreed, providing it continues to evolve, and that the BRAG makes changes as it sees it better supports the mission of the BRAG and the Reuse Authority. In response to Member Daysog's question regarding City Council's designation of the Reuse Authority after the ARRA sunsets, City Counsel Highsmith responded that the Joint Powers Agreement could allow a vote at the end of April to terminate the ARRA. Alternatively, the . body could choose to reconstitute the form of its membership. In order to take conveyance of the property, the City needs a Local Reuse Authority to continue in some form through the point in time where the conveyance of all the property has been accepted. In addition, Counsel Highsmith advised that the letterhead would still say "ARRA" on it. Member Johnson advised that this was a significant issue, especially whether the BRAG had the ability to comment on matters within its jurisdiction to other boards or commissions. Chair Appezzato noted that as long as the issue is within the subject matter jurisdiction of ARRA, and the communication is consistent with previous positions taken by the ARRA, then BRAG may communicate that position to other commissions. Mr. Perez advised that the BRAG has had no interest in going beyond the BRAG's scope of issues regarding the Base conversion. The BRAG would like the freedom from time to time to maintain ongoing communication with others boards and commissions. He noted that once the ARRA is reconstituted, this issue will be easier to change. 8 Counsel Highsmith advised that a BRAG member could communicate as a private citizen. Any member of the BRAG could do so if the subject matter was within the jurisdiction of the ARRA to which they are advisory, and was consistent with an existing ARRA position. Chair Appezzato noted that even City Council members are not able to appear before the Planning Board, for instance, and speak on behalf of the Council. Council Highsmith advised that the BRAG is in an advisory position to the ARRA, but not to the Planning Board. Mr. Perez emphasized that the BRAG was fluid, and that if changes were necessary, they would make them. Member Daysog noted that the phrase "as the committee shall select" was very good, but wondered why a five year sunset period was selected. In addition, he believed that it should be stated that the Alameda Point Advisory Committee is not a redevelopment project area committee as defined by California Redevelopment law, as amended. Member Daysog moved acceptance of the BRAG recommendations and report, with the modifications. The motion was seconded by Alternate Ornelas and passed by the following voice vote: Ayes — 5. Noes: 0. Abstentions -0. ORAL COMMUNICATION Mr. Bill Smith, 732 Central #16, noted that the tourism industry lacked an advocate, and suggested that an additional consultant or tourist agency be used to facilitate communication between all parties in the tourism effort. The general meeting was closed by Chair Appezzato at 7:55 p.m. The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Respectfully submitted, Cory Sims 9 Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority Interoffice Memorandum February 24, 1999 TO: Honorable Members of the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority FROM: David A. Berger, Deputy City Manager SUBJ: Report recommending authorization for the Executive Director to execute a ten (10) year lease on Building 66 with Nelson's Marine and extend Nelson's Marine's existing lease on Building 167 to coincide with the lease term for Building 66 Background: Nelson's Marine wishes to enter into a ten -year lease on Building 66 and adjoining property. Nelson's Marine also wishes to extend its existing five -year lease on Building 167 (signed in March 1997) so that the term of this sublease coincides with the Building 66 sublease term. The ARRA will retain the right to terminate either or both of these leases after year five in order to redevelop the property. Since the term of these leases exceed seven (7) years, the ARRA Governing Body must authorize the Executive Director to execute the leases. Discussion: Building 66 has a leasable area of approximately 28,500 square feet and is located at the northeast corner of the Seaplane Lagoon. Nelson's Marine wishes to provide marine services in a portion of Building 66 and sublease the remainder of the building to other marine- related businesses. The gross rental revenue from Building 66 during the first five years of the lease term will be $438,000. After year five, the rental rate will adjust to 90% of the then fair market value and increase at the Consumer Price Index (CPI) through year ten. The gross revenue from this sublease over the ten -year term will be in excess of $1.0 million. Nelson's Marine projects that 35 people will be employed in Building 66 in addition to the 46 currently employed in Building 167. As indicated above, the subleases on Building 66 and/or 167 may be terminated at the sole and absolute discretion of the ARRA following year five of the sublease term, should the ARRA wish to redevelop the property underlying these buildings. Fiscal Impact: It is projected that the cost of the building shell improvements needed to bring Building 66 into code compliance is $120,000. Nelson's will front the cost of these improvements and be paid back by ARRA, at no interest, through rent rebates during the first seven years of the lease term. This reimbursement will reduce ARRA's gross rental revenue to about $350,000 during the first five years of the lease term. Honorable Members of the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority February 24, 1999 Page 2 Recommendation: It is recommended that the ARRA Governing Body authorize the Executive Director to execute a ten (10) year lease on Building 66 with Nelson's Marine and extend Nelson's Marine's existing lease on Building 167 to coincide with the lease term for Building 66 By: Ed Levine Facilities Manager C: \W PDOCS\ARRASTAF.RPT\NELSON.66 -1100 1000 1 000 1 000 • 700 1 600 1 500 1 400 OAKLAND INNER HARBOR ■ 200 1 100 I 0 0 N 0 N 0 N N 0 N u. ." -"�iiu•:1 fence 76 00 / 1(134 i ('= oy Pool 101w1 170, F1 Yci c"" 2,. a000001 o 0 ooa00olo00000 4900 1(TM 0 ROAD 00...1 000000 0 N W. ROM AVE. w TOWER AVE 1 1400Al2 TAXIWAY "H° L 0 0 SEAPLANE LAGOON Per 1 )n an Directory 1 Sign IC AWE. 15 14 3 99 \l U [] LJJ. 0 168 .W MA.8ANV AVE U \� Pier 2 - -J 67 0 ----1r— nc.RnnIVOCK AM— E-) rr�.ggX:A -ACc '21 0 X292 Pier 3 cJo ) �., !1 ALAMEI)A POINT INNER HARBOR Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority Interoffice Memorandum February 24, 1999 TO: Honorable Members of the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority FROM: David A. Berger, Deputy City Manager SUBJ: Report recommending authorization for the Executive Director to execute a ten (10) year lease, with an option to purchase, on Building 22 with HCT Investments, Inc. Background: HCT Investments, Inc. is an Alameda based real estate development company with substantial holdings throughout the western United States and Canada, including a multi - building office complex in the Harbor Bay Business Park. HCT wishes to enter into a ten -year lease on Building 22. They intend to spend approximately $2.0 million in upgrading the building prior to subleasing it to Audio Visual Technical Services (AVTS). ARRA's lease with HCT will give them an option to purchase the property at fair market value following year four of the sublease Wan. This option will be subject to conveyance of the property to the ARRA by the Navy and removal of the property from the Tidelands Trust. Since the term of this sublease exceeds seven (7) years and includes a purchase option the ARRA Governing Body must authorize the Executive Director to execute the sublease. Discussion: Building 22 was formerly an aircraft hangar and has a leasable area of approximately 65,500 square feet. The building will be improved by HCT to serve as the corporate offices and operating facility for AVTS, a San Francisco based company specializing in leasing and servicing audio- visual equipment and providing video production services to corporate clients. The gross rental revenue to the ARRA over the ten -year lease term will be $2,260,000. AVTS projects that approximately 90 people will be employed in the building. As indicated above, the lease with HCT will include an option to purchase provision. This provision may be exercised by HCT no earlier than the start of year five of the lease term and is subject to the property being conveyed to ARRA by the City and being removed from the Tidelands Trust. The sales price of the building will be determined through appraisal, based on fair market value. As a real estate developer, HCT requires a purchase option to justify its substantial front -end costs to upgrade the building. Although $700,000 will be reimbursed by the ARRA to cover shell improvements, HCT will need to spend an additional $1.3 million to improve the building to the level required by AVTS. Because of limited lease revenues and EDA grant funds, the ARRA does not have the resources to bring this building into code compliance without front -end financing by Honorable Members of the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority February 24, 1999 Page 2 the tenant. Unfortunately, most tenants do not have the funds available to finance such high improvement costs. For this reason, the ARRA has experienced difficulty in leasing buildings such as this. One obvious solution is to lease to a developer, such as HCT, which has the capacity to obtain financing and manage the building improvement process. However, this approach invariably requires that the lease include a purchase option. Staff believes that the opportunity to lease the building; generate substantial rental income; and create 90 new high -tech jobs at Alameda Point justifies offering this option. This approach is consistent with the EPS Financing Plan which calls for upgrading and retaining Building 22 for long -term adaptive reuse. Fiscal Impact: As indicated above, HCT will spend a total of $2.0 million to upgrade the building, including approximately $700,000 for shell improvements needed to bring the building into code compliance. The cost of the shell improvements will be reimbursed to the tenant through rent rebates over a seven -year period, amortized at 8% per year. These reimbursements will reduce ARRA's gross rental revenue to $1,320,000 over the lease term. Recommendation: It is recommended that the ARRA Governing Body authorize the Executive Director to execute a ten (10) year lease, with an option to purchase, on Building 22 with HCT Investments, Inc. Ed Levine Facilities Manager C: \W PDOC S\ARRA STAF. RPT\HCT 0 0 0 ---- 1100 1000 I 900 I 900 700 I 000 I 500 I 400 1 OAKLAND INNER HARBOR t 76 KO 0 34 j( 1200 I 100 I 0 twww-5111rt NC* f AWAY 140/5/1 M s 44/WAY I I I 1 I , 1---7111CA1 W TOflR AVE 39 f L 067 ylkil—rj 119 _ 00 Ai LP(:1 H A LA 251 , 0 0 0 0 SEAPLANE LAGOON Pier 1 Tenant Directory 1 Sign 15 )1 14 • 0 0 ti nc,n it 0 d' LJ mac Pier 2 167, 11 292 Pier 3 0 B Lfl —,-veronerr-Im ,110E4Le ED CD LJ _ rfaajpi.A-AVC- 1 21 ri ■77 ALAMEDA POINT INNER HARBOR / IT Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority Interoffice Memorandum February 23, 1999 TO: Honorable Members of the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority FROM: David A. Berger, Deputy City Manager SUBJ: Background: Report and Recommendation from the Deputy City Manager on Findings of the Golf Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Economic Development Commission and the Base Reuse Advisory Group on the alternative proposal for a golf course development at Alameda Point At ARRA's meeting of November 4, 1998, the ARRA Board referred golf course feasibility at Alameda Point to be studied further by the Golf Commission and the golf course General Manager to determine the best means of financing and developing. Further, the ARRA Board Chair referred Hugh McKay to the Recreation Commission, Golf Course Commission, and Economic Development Commission (EDC) to present his proposal. A joint meeting of the Golf Commission, the Recreation Commission, the Economic Development Commission and the BRAG was held on December 16, 1998 to discuss the following two options: 1) The 214 -acre, 18 -hole tournament level course with internal site for a future 200 -room hotel as analyzed in the feasibility study presented to the board in July 1998; and 2) An alternative proposal presented by Hugh McKay and Associates that required additional acreage to provide an additional 18 holes, a golf academy and an resort hotel. Subsequently, each body met to make a formal recommendation on the question. The actions of each body are provided in the reports found in Attachment 1. In summary, the commissions and the BRAG have made the following recommendations: Golf Commission The Golf Commission recommends that the city proceed with a financing plan analyzing in more depth the desirability of various financing mechanisms to undertake the development of 214 acres as presented in the May 1999 feasibility study, and rejects the concept of the McKay group. They also recommend that the financing study address the potential financing of the Sports Complex. 1 Recreation Commission The Recreation Commission voted on January 14, 1999 to support the feasibility study concept and opposed the McKay proposal because it would use the area designated in the Community Reuse Plan for the Sports Complex, with no feasible alternative site for the relocation of the Sports Complex. Economic Development Commission The EDC met on February 18, 1999 to discuss the golf course issue. The EDC recommends that the ARRA board issue a Request for Proposals for a golf course development proposal so that competitive proposals could be evaluated on a similar basis. The purpose of selecting a development proposal would be to maximize the economic benefit to the city while minimizing costs to the city, including potential costs from displaced existing and planned uses. Base Reuse Advisory Group The BRAG directed their Economic Development/Land Use/Reuse Task Force to recommend the type of golf course development that will best serve Alameda. The task force made their recommendation to the BRAG at their meeting of February 17, 1999. The BRAG voted unofficially (with no quorum) to accept the recommendation and endorse it to the ARRA board. The recommendation was to plan for a resort hotel/convention center and two 18 -hole golf courses. Discussion: Staff finds that the consideration of any development proposal singly at this time is premature. As shown in the attached chronology (Attachment 2), a feasibility study of a site designated in the recently (1996) adopted Community Reuse Plan has been prepared. An amendment to the Reuse Plan was made in 1997 to accommodate the Sports Complex adjacent to the golf course. The feasibility study was prepared with the assistance of a qualified wildlife biologist in order to make certain the concept was compatible with the purposes of the adjacent Wildlife Refuge. The McKay group proposal was unsolicited, and does not have the benefit of input from staff or a feasibility study. There would be two logical courses of action to pursue at this time: either issue an RFP so that other developers could respond, which would test the marketability of the feasibility study's concept; or conduct a market study independently. The Golf Commission's recommendation is for a financing study, which would determine one of the parameters that could be a requisite of the RFP. Fiscal Impact The expense of preparing and distributing the RFP would be covered by existing staff costs. The 2 cost of hiring an outside consultant to prepare a marketing or financing study has not been identified, nor has a source of funding for this item. The McKay proposal does not give an analysis of financing or costs to the city for the development of the golf course /resort hotel complex. It does not estimate the costs of relocating the Sports Complex, or revenue lost from the site it proposed to relocate the Sports Complex. Recommendation ARRA staff recommends that the ARRA proceed with an RFP for a golf course development on 214 acres as analyzed in the Feasibility Study. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth G. Johnson Base Reuse Planner EJ /tbm cc: Sherry McCarthy Dana Banke Bruce Knopf Hugh McKay, McKay and Associates 3 February 24, 1999 TO: FROM: City of Alameda , California Honorable Mayor Ralph Appezzato and Alameda Reuse & Redevelopment Authority ATTACHMENT 1 City of Alameda Golf Commission Ed Trevethan, Chairman Tony Corica, Vice Chairman Fred Leitz, Golf Commissioner Connie Wendling, Golf Commissioner Rick Stone, Golf Commissioner Dana Banke, General Manager, Chuck Corica Golf Complex RE: Alameda Point Golf Course Development Project Background At the November 4, 1998 Alameda Reuse & Redevelopment Authority (ARRA) meeting, Mayor Ralph Appezzato requested that Hugh McKay and Associates redirect their Golf Course Proposal to the Base Reuse Advisory Group (BRAG), Golf Commission, Economic Development Commission and Recreation Commission. The Hugh McKay and Associates proposal would require more acreage for two 18 hole golf courses, approximately 280 acres, the relocation of the previously approved sports complex and a change in the Base Reuse Plan that had already been approved by BRAG and ARRA. Due to the monumental changes that would need to be made to accommodate the Hugh McKay and Associates proposal, compelling evidence in support of this proposal would need to be brought forward. Therefore, on December 16, 1998 Hugh McKay and Associates presented their proposal at a joint meeting with BRAG, Golf Commission, Economic Development Commission and Recreation Commission. Following the presentation Deputy City Manager David A. Berger directed the Commissions to discuss the McKay proposal at their next scheduled meeting and to forward their recommendations to ARRA via the Golf Commission. Discussion /Analysis At the January 14, 1999 regular meeting of the Recreation Commission, the Commission voted unanimously to support the plan for a 214.5 acre Golf Complex and opposed the McKay plan for two golf courses (approximately 280 acres). Gail Wetzork, Chair of the Recreation Commission stated that "The sports complex was developed over a three -year period with a significant amount of community input by numerous sport group representatives and the BRAG Recreation Task Force. The conceptual plan was approved by BRAG and ARRA. The 57 -acre complex is an integral part of the Community Reuse Plan and will be an important asset to the community and for the marketing Chuck Corica Golf Complex #1 Clubhouse Memorial Road Alameda, California 94502 -6502 510 864.3422 • Fax 510 522.0848 • TDD 510 522.7538 -Page 2- of Alameda Point. "(see Attachment A) The City Council at its February 2, 1999 meeting approved construction of a skateboard park to be completed this June that falls outside of the 214.5 acre golf site, but within the boundaries of the two course proposal. The existing gymnasium, which also falls outside of the 214.5 acre golf site, but within the McKay proposed location, was the site of a local fundraising event in January for approximately 400 people, which demonstrates the value of this facility. Also, while not a state -of- the -art structure, it certainly is functional and provides our youth an indoor building that should be utilized for years to come. The BRAG meeting held February 17, 1999, which convened just before our regular Golf Commission meeting, resulted in a vote without a quorum present. Some Brag members recommended the two course proposal. The City of Alameda has not yet reached the proposal phase of developing the Northwest Territory of Alameda Point. The City of Alameda sent out a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a feasibility study. The RFP requested a feasibility study be done on the area calling for 214.5 acres as determined by the Community Reuse Plan adopted in 1996. The feasibility study conducted in 1998 by the Kyle Phillips Group is not a proposal to develop, it is a feasibility study as requested by the Alameda Reuse & Redevelopment Authority (ARRA). The selection of the Kyle Phillips & Associates Group to perform the golf feasibility study in early 1998 was made after reviewing a total of seven proposals, interviewing five finalists, and deciding upon the Phillips Group, in large part due to the inclusion of Colin Hegarty in their team as their financial expert. That study, concluded in June 1998 confirmed that not only can we create an exceptional golf course, but could bring in significant money for the City. The McKay proposal was not considered for the RFP because they did not address the requirements of the study. That raises the question of why this proposal is being presented and voted on against a feasibility study? No RFP outlining the parameters of the McKay proposal has ever been sent out to bid by the City of Alameda. The McKay and Associates proposal was deemed not to be worthy of an interview for the golf feasibility study due to a lack of presentation of options, a lack of knowledge about the restrictions of the site and inclusion of material specific to the Lew F. Galbraith Golf Course that Mr. McKay previously managed. The McKay team has not worked through the process as outlined at the December 16, 1998 joint meeting. They have never presented any new information to the Golf Commission, attended any of the three Golf Commission meetings since December 16, 1998 and, as has been their pattern, have circumvented processes and groups to gain an audience to elicit uninformed decisions, with BRAG member Ken Hansen vehemently leading their cause. Fiscal Impact The Golf Course Feasibility Study indicates that a golf course, hotel and conference center located in the Northwest Territory could generate a considerable amount of money for the City. The study projects $17 million in costs to develop the golf course and clubhouse. ARRA has directed the Golf Commission and Golf General Manager to explore financing options for the golf course development. Recommendation As directed by the Mayor at the November 4, 1998 ARRA meeting, the Golf Commission has considered input from other groups and unanimously recommends by a 5 -0 vote to enlist the services -Page 3- of Mr. Colin Hegarty of Golf Research Group of Martinez, California to outline the financial options available to develop a premium daily fee golf course with a hotel on the 214.5 acre site, including the possible financing and development of the adjacent sports complex in keeping with the master plan developed over the years by many concerned Alarnedans. Proposals for development will be accepted at the appropriate time. Thank you. Ed Trevethan Ed Trevethan Golf Commission Chairman Tony Corica Tony Corica Golf Commission Vice Chairman Fred Leitz Fred Leitz Golf Commissioner Connie lendling Connie Wendling Golf Commissioner Rick Stone Rick Stone Golf Commissioner a B. e General Manager Chuck Corica Golf Complex GC:nmc Attachment xc: Director Recreation and Park Chair, Recreation Commission Attachment A City of Alameda . Inter-department Nlemorandurn January 20, 1999 TO: Ed Trevethan, Chair Golf Commission FROM: Gail Wetzork, Chair Recreation Commission RE: Pr000sed Alameda Point Golf Course At the Recreation Commission meeting of January 14, 1999, two proposals for a golf complex in the northwest territory of Alameda Point were agendized for a recommendation to be sent to the Golf Commission. Discussion took place regarding the feasibility study conducted by Kyle Phillips and Associates (June 1998). This plan calls for a 214.5 acre site with an 18-hole golf links style course, including a clubhouse and a hotel with conference rooms. The second proposal discussed was prepared by Hugh McKay Associates (December 1998). This plan is for a 280 acre golf complex with 36 holes, clubhouse and hotel. The Hugh McKay plan of 280 acres would eliminate the sports complex in its present location. There are no sites that could accommodate 57 acres of recreational use. The consensus was that the sports complex should not be fragmented but kept as one continuous complex in its present location with the existing gymnasium. Also, being adjacent to the golf complex and hotel would be a benefit to both sites. This convenient location would be very conducive to staging large sporting events and tournaments resulting in the potential for economic benefits. The sports complex was developed over a three-year period with a significant amount of community input by numerous sport group representatives and the BRAG Recreation Task Force. The conceptual plan was approved by BRAG and ARRA. The 57 acre complex is an integral part of the Community Reuse Plan and will be an important asset to the community and for the marketing of Alameda Point. The Recreation Commission by unanimous vote supports the plan for a 214.5 acre golf complex and opposes the plan for 280 acres. GW:np Gail Wetzork cc: Sherry McCarthy, Director City of Alameda Memorandum To: From: Re: February 19, 1999 Chair and Members of the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority Frank Matarrese Chair, Economic Development Commission Development of a Golf Course at Alameda Point Background At ARRA's meeting of November 4, 1998, the ARRA Board referred golf course feasibility to be studied further by the Golf Commission and the golf course General Manager to determine the best means of financing and developing. Further, the ARRA Board Chair referred Hugh McKay to the Recreation Commission, Golf Course Commission, and Economic Development Commission (EDC) to present his proposal. Discussion and Analysis On December 16, 1998, members of the EDC participated in a joint meeting of the Base Reuse Advisory Group (BRAG), the Golf Commission, and the Recreation and Parks Commission to hear a presentation of the Hugh McKay Proposal. The EDC discussed the golf course issue at its February 18, 1999 meeting. After much discussion, the EDC concluded that the City, as a matter of policy, should develop lands and uses at Alameda Point in a way which maximizes economic benefit to the City, given established community objectives. In this case, the EDC believes that the best way to gauge the extent of such benefit is for ARRA and /or the City to be able to evaluate competitive proposals on a similar basis. To that end, the EDC suggests that ARRA /City use a request for proposal process to solicit multiple offers and that they be uniformly evaluated based on their economic benefit and cost and their ability to achieve stated development objectives, such as those stated in the Reuse Plan. Budget Considerations /Fiscal Impact The EDC is willing to participate in a process of evaluating fiscal and economic impact of proposals which respond to defined community objectives. Recommendation The EDC requests that ARRA issue an RFP for development of a golf course complex at Alameda Point to maximize economic benefits to the City and minimize cost including covering any costs associated with displaced existing and planned uses. Respectfully submitted, Frank Matarrese Chair Economic Development Commission FM:BK:ry cc: Economic Development Commission G: \APIP \GOLFCOUR \EDCREC.219 f:Alameda Point Improvement Project /Golf Course BRAG LAND USE February 17, 1999 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A GOLF COURSE COMPLEX The Economic Development/Land Use /Reuse Task Force has been directed by the BRAG to recommend the type of golf course development that will best serve Alameda. This is the Land Use recommendations. They are based on an analysis of the related overall Goals and Objectives of the NAS Alameda Community Reuse Plan, the Land Use Elements for the Northwest Territories and Civic Core sub - areas, Objectives of the Golf Course Development approved by ARRA February 7, 1999, assumptions the Task Force has made, and the advantages and disadvantages of the two proposals for golf course development presently under consideration. RECOMMENDATIONS Plan for a resort hotel /convention center and two 18 hole golf courses. Such a development adheres to the Goals and Objectives of the Community Reuse Plan, will enhance the quality of urban design of the Civic Core, integrate uses, reduce the impacts on the Wild Life Refuge, and begin construction of new development in accordance with the long term vision for Alameda Point. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES (As defined in the Community Reuse Plan - See attached Appendix.) I. Land Use - Achieve a balanced mix of land uses, creating a vibrant and diverse new neighborhood in Alameda. Provide a balance among public benefit, private sector, and the environmental uses. Seek creative solutions to provide energetic land uses while reducing the impact of the automobile and energy consumption. H. Urban Design and Neighborhood Character - Create the same "small town" character in the former NAS site as highly valued by the existing community. Create a series of neighborhoods, each with a central focus of mixed -use development, including local - serving commercial and recreational uses and a mixture of housing densities. III. Achieve human - scale, transit - oriented development - Emphasize walkable streets, restricting most traffic circulation to specific major access routes. Enhance the viability and use of transit and other alternative modes of transportation in all development, through deliberate design of neighborhoods, commercial, industrial and recreation /open space areas. IV. Optimize use of transit and other alternative modes of transportation to reduce vehicular traffic and dependence on the automobile. ALLOWABLE USES IN THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (As defined in the Community Reuse Plan - See attached Appendix.) 1. Northern edge of the existing airfield - Mixed-use as an international commerce and trade zone including light industrial, R&D, warehousing, trade showrooms and other similar uses. IL Easternmost portion adjacent to the NAS pool and gymnasium - 17 acre Recreation and Park Department Sports Complex. 111. Remainder of area - recreation and open space (". .acting as a transition zone between more intensive human uses and wildlife habitat preserved to the south. . ."). including Bay Trail and Shoreline Park, Point Alameda Regional Park at northwest end, and Scottish style "links" golf course. "A public facility with multiple uses could be developed to jointly serve as a golf clubhouse, environmental education center, parks and recreation multi-use center." ALLOWABLE USES IN THE CIVIC CORE (As defined in the Community Reuse Plan - See attached Appendix.) 1. Civic Core - Main focal point of activity for the new neighborhoods created on the former NAS site. 11. Civic Core ". . .The emphasis is to provide public serving and civic uses while providing ample opportunity for job creation" - R&D/industrial "flex" uses, light industry, office, civic, residential, educational, recreational, commercial, places of worship and nonprofit organizations. 111. Civic Core - A central north-south open space promenade or mall would create an extension of the existing Navy parade ground from the Oakland Alameda Estuary to the Seaplane Lagoon, opening into a public plaza at the marina. IV. Northern Civic Core - Mixed-use office and institutional center allowing for a wide range of employment, education, and commercial uses. Existing gym, pool and Officer's Club to be developed by Recreation and Park Department for recreational uses OBJECTIVES FOR DEVELOPMENT as approved by the ARRA I. Components of land use such as, but not limited to, a conference center, hotel, etc., should lead to the highest and best use for the City of Alameda consistent with the NAS Alameda Community Reuse Plan. II. Tourism should be an essential key to the development of the area. III. The development should be of a quality consistent with the goal of tdurism. IV. The development should be planned with consideration given to the planning of the Civic Core. V. The development should be planned with the currently existing facilities at Alameda Point (e.g. the 0' Club) in mind. ASSUMPTIONS MADE BY THE TASK FORCE I. The golf course complex must be smoothly integrated into the adjacent land uses as envisioned in the Community Reuse Plan. 11. Private funding is available for the resort hotel/conference center and 36 hole golf course. III. The golf course is being developed as a profit making enterprise. IV. The development will act as a magnet for other businesses and tourism. V. The potential opening of a golf course will be delayed because the Port of Oakland did not acquire funds to dredge the Estuary in 1998. KYLE PHILLIPS GOLF COURSE DESIGN PROPOSAL The elements of the Feasibility Study written by Kyle Phillips Golf Course Design include an 18 hole golf course, golf practice tee, clubhouse/banquet facility, possible future 200 room hotel site, golf maintenance facility, park/shoreline bay trail, car parking and entry road to golf course and parks. ADVANTAGES 1. A golf course and park/trails are a good use of the land adjacent to the Wildlife Refuse. 2. The gnIf course site is within the prescribed boundaries of the Community Reuse Plan and no changes would have to be made to the Plan. 3. The development process could go ahead immediately. DISADVANTAGES 1. Though the golf course complex is a true recreational asset, the design is too isolated from other uses, such as other commercial development, and from convenient public transportation at Alameda Point. One of the primary goals of the Reuse Plan is to, "Achieve a balance mix of land uses, creating a vibrant and diverse new neighborhood in Alameda". 2. The placement of the clubhouse relies too much on the automobile for access and would require a length of road designed for heavy traffic. 3. Because of its isolation and limited type uses, it's impact as a magnet to desirable commercial and industrial development would be limited. 4. Placement of the golf course clubhouse and banquet facilities in the middle of the project is unlikely to be consistent with the requirements of the USF&WS Wildlife Refuge because of heightened activity in the area, especially at night. 5. The site placement of a possible 200 room hotel in the same area would also be unacceptable to the USF&WS for the heightened activity and the probable height required for hotel buildings.. HUGH G. MCKAY ASSOCIATES AND DESMOND MUIRHEAD, INC. PROPOSAL A proposal prepared by Hugh G. McKay Associates and Desmond Muirhead, Inc. includes two 18 hole golf courses, practice tee, golf clubhouse, resort hotel/conference center, park/shoreline trails, parking, golf museum and golf academy. ADVANTAGES I. The Civic Core is the focal point of activity for Alameda Point. The hotel/conference center ' would be an integral part of it, generating vitality for the area and acting as a magnet for other desirable commercial development. II. The complex would start the long term new development as envisioned in the Reuse Plan. III. The resort/conference center would give Alameda a much needed facility. IV. The complex would have good access to public transportation and be within walking distance of other Civic Core uses. V. The heightened activity of clubhouse and hotel/conference center would be removed from the USF&W Refuge. VI. A It would not require a length of a high use road. VII. A quality resort hotel/conference center could be built immediately with private funds. VIII.Construction of the golf course would be privately funded. IX. The resort hotel/conference center would provide additional revenue for the City. X. Two 18 hole golf courses would provide additional revenue for the City. DISADVANTAGES I. Placement of the hotel/conference center would require the relocation of the Alameda Recreation and Park Department Sports Complex necessitating a change in the amendment to the Community Reuse Plan which sets aside 17 acres on the easternmost portion of the Northwest Territories. However, if there is no prospect for funding of the , Sports Complex and the 17 acres is likely to be unused for years, perhaps it would be of benefit to the City to relocate it to the southeast and allow the 17 acres to be used by a revenue producing development. Perhaps the gym building could remain in place. It would be an asset contributing to the fabric of the Civic Core. II. Amendment of the Community Reuse Plan would delay the Record of Decision (ROD) due some time this Spring. However, as there is a delay in Oakland's ability to dredge the Estuary and the Request for Proposals is some time away, perhaps the project would proceed after the ROD is signed. 4 APPENDIX EXCERPTS FROM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COMMUNITY REUSE PLAN (Page numbers shown in parenthesis are from the Community Reuse Plan.) Goal A - Land Use: (page 1 -8, 9) "Achieve a balanced mix of land uses, creating a vibrant and diverse new neighborhood in Alameda." Objectives • "Emphasize mixed -use development as the overall reuse vision." • "Ensure that the Community Reuse Plan is economically viable." • "Fully integrate the existing NAS Alameda into the City of Alameda creating a new neighborhood; full integration includes land use compatibility within and surrounding the installation, matches with the urban fabric of Alameda, and realization of a seamless transition between the existing NAS site and the entire island of Alameda." • "Provide a balance among public benefit, private sector, and the environmental uses and concems; include provisions for open space, recreational resources, environmental protection, and viable economic development." • "Seek creative solutions to provide energetic land uses while reducing the impact of the automobile and energy consumption." Goal B - Employment and Economic Development: (page 1 -9) "Achieve job creation and economic development to provide the employment and economic benefits historically associated with NAS Alameda." Objectives • "Prioritize ARRA and /or City revenue generation in major land use decision, consistent with the intent to balance economic development needs with public benefit conveyance and public/community service uses." Goal D1- Urban Design and Neighborhood Character: (page 1 -10) "Achieve complete integration of the former NAS site with the rest of the island of Alameda; this is to be a seamless integration of the many neighborhoods, open space, and the best qualities of the existing City." Objectives • "Create the same "Small town" Character in the former NAS site as highly valued by the existing community." • "Create a series of neighborhoods, each with a central focus of mixed -use development, including local serving commercial and recreational uses and a mixture of housing densities." • "Encourage development of distinctive and individualized neighborhood character." Goal D2 - Achieve human - scale. transit- oriented development (pagel -10, 11) Objectives • "Emphasize walkable streets, restricting most traffic circulation to specific major access routes." • Achieve the same human - scale, tree -lined character of neighborhood streets found throughout the existing City." 5 • "Enhance the viability and use of transit and other alternative modes of transportation in all development, through deliberate design of neighborhoods, commercial, industrial, and recreation /open space areas." Goal 12 - Optimize use of transit and other alternative modes of transportation to reduce vehicular traffic and dependence on the automobile. (page 1 -15) Objectives • "Promote continued and expanded ferry service as an alternative to the automobile. • "Establish a viable pedestrian and bicycle circulation system within the installation and linking the former NAS site with the rest of the City." EXCERPTS FROM THE COMMUNITY REUSE PLAN AND AMENDMENTS APPROVED MAY 28, 1997 FOR THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (Added wording underlined) Northwest Territories (page 2 -25) ... "A portion of the northern edge of the existing airfield is designated mixed -use for future development as an international commerce and trade zone including light industrial, R&D development and warehousing, trade showrooms, and other similar uses. This area may include a site for Alameda Science & Technology Center, an institution dedicated to marrying scientific research and commerce. "The easternmost portion of the Northwest Territories adjacent to the NAS pool and gymnasium is intended to be developed as part of the City of Alameda Recreation and Park Department Sports Complex at Alameda Point. This 17 acre portion will be incorporated into the City of Alameda PBC Public Benefit Conveyance application. "The remainder of the Northwest Territories will be devoted to recreation and open space uses. ReriemOrL ic!'mti ' i !'de a Bay Trail and Shoreline Park, with Point Alameda Regional Park at the far "The open space areas could include developed recreation uses such as ball fields, soccer fields, or a Scottish style "links" or "rough" golf course. A public facility with multiple uses could be developed to jointly serve as a golf clubhouse, environmental education center, parks and recreation multi -use center, or a retreat and conference center. This area provides recreational opportunities and acts as a transitional zone between more intensive human uses and wildlife habitat preserved to the south. In addition, the site provides the opportunity for use as an upland dredge soils disposal site that can be configured with open spaces, recreation and golf course uses on top of fill. "Allowable Uses - The Northwest Territories is intended as a mixed -use area with a major emphasis on International trade and commerce and light industrial uses. Recreational uses such as meeting and conference facilities, club houses, educational center and recreational buildings such as pools, recreation halls, gym and incidental storage and maintenance facilities are allowed within the district in addition to secondary warehousing, light industry, office and supporting commercial uses. Housing may be permitted under certain conditions. Supporting uses should be developed focused in or around a neighborhood center. Community - oriented institutions such as places of worship and nonprofit organizations are also considered allowable and desirable uses..." Northwest Territories Policies: (page 2 -26) 2 -57 The Northwest Territories will be included in the ARRA's Economic Development Conveyance request to allow the flexibility for a range of potential economic development uses on the site both in the near term and potential long term. 6 EXCERPTS FROM THE COMMUNITY REUSE PLAN AND AMENDMENTS APPROVED MAY -28, 1997 FOR THE CIVIC CORE (Added wording underlined) Civic Core (page 2 -13) "...This area, representing the existing core of the base, will continue to constitute the main focal point of activity for the new neighborhoods created on the former NAS site. "... The emphasis in the area is to provide public serving and civic uses while providing ample opportunity for job creation. Potential civic uses include a new university geared towards international affairs and commerce, public recreation facilities, a museum, a library, a teen activity center, a civic auditorium, civic office space, a place of worship, and meeting spaces. (page 2 -14) "The northern portion of the Civic Core is intended for reuse as a mixed -use office and institutional center allowing for a wide range of employment, education, and commercial uses. Existing recreational buildings and facilities along the northern edge of the Civic Core, including the existing gym, pool and Officers' Club are intended to be redeveloped for parks and recreational uses by the City of Alameda Recreation and Park Department. .. A central north -south open space promenade or mall would create an extension of the existing Navy parade ground from the Oakland Alameda Estuary to the Seaplane Lagoon, opening into a public plaza at the marina. "Allowable Uses (page 2 -15) The Civic Core is a mixed -use area with a major emphasis on research & development/industrial "flex" uses. Light industry, office, civic, residential, educational, recreational, commercial, and other supporting uses are allowed within the district. Community - oriented institutions such as places of worship and nonprofit organizations are also considered allowable and desirable uses. "Civic Core Recreation Area (page 6 -5) The existing Navy recreation area framing the northern edge of the parade ground will be conveyed to the Alameda Recreation and Park Department for reuse. The makes these facilities ideally situated for public recreational. uses." PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR GOLF COURSE FEASIBILITY STUDY GIVEN TO KYLE PHILLIPS I. An 18 hole, world class links style golf course with clubhouse, parking, practice facility and maintenance building. II. Consider clean Merritt sand. III. Consider a public park site adjacent to the waterfront accessible by vehicle. IV. Consider a 300 room hotel side in connection with the golf course development. V. A 100 foot Buffer along the north and west waterfront for a pedestrian /bike trail. VI. Consider site drainage. VII. Consider neighboring wildlife refuge. 7 B.R.A.G. Land Use Subcommittee ., -g• L., Q., , o L... ,n o 0 o -tzt ,..2 t..ros ,... 0 ..... ,-■ 0 ... 'IC — , -fi, ;.. .0 . g •Z t'0 ' .4 : ii 4 k, 0 E-4 .ta.)-a :.1.: lo ^ia 4o -ot Z ,;.;0 0 •—■ g L 4) E 8 -zi -° '.:E • Q Q. 4z...,..,-, ,; 1-0) z. P., ...,:,- e , ,... '''.. rf .1:1 Y z .o .s, . 0 z -ia. -0 c.0 a, ..2. i." ...) o 0 k ... ,-, t.-.. -5, 0 .`'‘) Fa ty —.' ".' '..`'' 2 ,.. . .0 0 6 0. .) .2 ., .., .9.,° ,,b o ) -- ‘.....„ ..... -- '''': Y, . ... ,-.Z ... 0 0 0 0, •-•• 0 -0 .... ;... .t„ h c, 0 ■.1. '4' ... h 'f,:, k a! E 0 '''Z L• 1 § 0 -1•-■ .S. 0 0 ..E " to 0 1 III 0) ,-Z 0 0) 0 0 0 •Z '.— (X h E...-, '''... L 00 0 g t)'--. 0 ,..) z q) z a. S -z 4 . 1 i 0 , D3 -t a , , Ilz `.1.5 Zi -,5) .., (...) , ...i.:3 0.) 4‘) . r 0!' 6n 006r . '1) 0.) I E Z.) -0 .0.) 4—a • 0 1:$ E 0 ..E •R' Q L.; z t".zt E !2 -*@ 1:1 g - 0 c,0 * _ 0 • Fs. 0 E O 3 E u,„ 9 -e .0 0" E 0 a • — L, 7, tts o fi 0,0 0 (L., Zi 1:3 g 2..z; .g -a 00 — 0 ,0 L. 2 2 0 E •o §' cA 8 .E 8 -a z = 0 -0 I •r4. 0) 0 o .5 2, - .a o o _ Z,0 -Ng o E E g E — 8 t•Ti — 0 0 .ca o E 2 ci) 2 .76 4.4 .2 E January 1996 October 1996 May 1997 July 1997 ATTACHMENT 2 CHRONOLOGY: The development of the golf course concept at Alameda Point Community Reuse Plan adopted by the ARRA board. States uses such golf course, parks, recreation will be possible for Northwest Territories. Navy begins work on EIS/EIR Negotiations with US Fish and Wildlife finalized regarding the boundary and extent of wildlife refuge: 525 acres. Sports Complex Master Plan accepted by the ARRA board, as endorsed by the BRAG and the City of Alameda Sports Complex Taskforce Community Reuse Plan amended to provide 17.5 acres of land for Sports Complex in Northwest Territories, added to the original 37.5 acres, for a total Sports Complex area of 55.3 acres. September 1997 BCDC removes Port Priority designation from Northwest Territories 1 December 1997 May 1998 ARRA issues RFP for Golf Course Feasibility study in order to determine whether site is developable and whether we can use dredge spoils for the golf course. Oversight committee of ARRA staff, Leslie Zander, biological consultant; Dana Banke, golf course general manager, and Tony Corica, golf course commissioner. Hugh McKay and Associates present proposal for a larger, resort- destination golf course to the BRAG June 1998 ARRA Golf Course Feasibility study presented to BRAG July 1998 September 1998 October 8, 1998 October 21, 1998 2 Golf Course Feasibility Study presented to ARRA board Hugh McKay and Associates present proposal to the ARRA Recreation and Parks Commission is briefed by staff on McKay proposal and voted to opposed the proposal because it would eliminate the Sports Complex Discussion of the McKay proposal is held at BRAG meeting; BRAG assigns task force to study land use issue November 4, 1998 November 18, 1998 3 ARRA board refers golf course feasibility to be studied further by Golf Commission and the golf course General Manager to determine best means of financing and developing. ARRA board chair refers Hugh McKay to the Recreation Commission, Golf Course Commission, and Economic Development Commission to present his proposal. Planning Department begins General Plan Amendment work to bring Reuse Plan designations into City's general plan. CORRESPONDENCE/ MISCELLFNEOUS 4 February 1999 ear Mr. k lint, FEB 16 1999 I was extremely pleased to read your letter of 28 January announcing Alameda's decision to host portions of the upcoming phase of the Corps' Urban Warrior Advanced Warfighting Experiment. As you know, the exercise is vital to the ongoing development of the concepts, capabilities, and technologies necessary to ensure America's dominance on the complex battlefields of the future. As our recent experience attests, the military will confront, more and more often, the unique challenges of the urban environment. Realistic training and experimentation -- the kind that can only be accomplished in an actual urban setting -- are crucial to our preparation for tomorrow's inevitable contingencies. The lessons learned in Alameda will have broad application and will significantly contribute to the shaping of a more capable Corps. Your personal support is especially appreciated and I commend your vision for the future. I would also like to extend my deep appreciation to the great people of Alameda; their generous support of Urban Warrior is most welcome and a clear reflection of their selfless commitment to America's defense efforts. I am confident that the experience will prove positive for both the City and its Corps of Marines. General, U.S. arine rps Commandant of the M. e Corps Mr. James M. Flint Office of the City Manager 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Room 320 Alameda, California 94501 ACQUISITION AND TECHNOLOGY FEB 1 9 1999 OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE 3000 DEFENSE PENTAGON WASHINGTON DC 20301 -3000 FEB 12 1999 Federal Identifier: Alameda NAS/NADEP CL9426 -98 -05 Mr. Dave Berger Assistant City Manager Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority Alameda Point/NAS Alameda 950 West Mall Square, Room 175 Alameda, CA 94501 -5012 Dear Mr. Berger: I am pleased to inform you that I have approved the request for $185,000 of Department of Defense Community Planning Assistance Funds for planning the reuse of Alameda NAS/NADEP. If the provisions of the enclosed grant agreement are acceptable, please sign both originals. Return one for our records, and retain one for your file. Enclosed are copies of the Standard Form (SF 424B) Non - Construction Assurances and the required Certification forms for Lobbying, and Debarment and Suspension. The SF 424B and Certifications need to be completed and returned to us in order to comply with item 1D of the grant agreement. Also enclosed are copies of Standard Form (SF) 270, "Request for Advance or Reimbursement" and SF 269A, "Financial Status Report." The SF 270 is used to request grant funds. The first SF 270 may be submitted with the signed grant agreement. Subsequent SF 270's will be approved for disbursement contingent upon acceptance of the quarterly performance reports. Therefore, please submit these SF 270's with the performance reports. The SF 269A is used to report final outlays and obligations for the entire grant period. The form must be submitted to close out the grant. This grant has been assigned the Federal Identifier Number CL9426- 98 -05. Please use this number on all grant - related correspondence. We look forward to working with you. Enclosures: Grant Agreement Standard Foams 269A, 270 (4) & 424B Certification Forms and Assurances (3) Sincerely, Paul J. emp ey Direct Office of Economic Adjustment DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY ENGINEERING FELD ACTIVITY, WEST NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING COMMAND 900 COMMODORE DRIVE SAN BRUNO, CALIFORNIA 9406 8-5006 Mr. Charles Houghton Chief, Division of Refuge Planning (ARW /RPL) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 911 N.E. 11`h Avenue Portland, Oregon 97232 -4181 Dear Mr. Houghton: IN REPLY REFER TO: 5090.1B 7032DP /EP -1665 16 February 1999 We have reviewed the "Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Alameda National Wildlife Refuge" and the "Draft Environmental Assessment for Establishment and Management of Alameda National Wildlife Refuge" (EA) and have the following comments. The Navy is committed to rapid reuse and redevelopment of the former Naval Air Station, Alameda, property, also known as Alameda Point, both for economic redevelopment and for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) ongoing mission of wildlife management. The property proposed for the future Alameda National Wildlife Refuge was determined to be excess to the needs of the Navy and is being maintained in caretaker status by this Command. We are currently working with the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge (SFBNWR) to develop a use permit through which the SFBNWR can approve interim uses such as public tours. The Navy is also engaged in discussions with the SFBNWR to transfer management control of the proposed refuge property as quickly as possible to allow the SFBNWR to implement its federal mission. We believe that with cooperation of the SFBNWR and your office that Alameda National Wildlife Refuge could be in operation on October 1, 1999 or sooner. However, the EA should clarify that under the "No Action" alternative, if the SFBNWR did not establish a refuge, the Navy would declare the property surplus to the needs of the federal government, and dispose of the property from federal ownership in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. Also, the EA should further analyze the potential adverse safety and socioeconomic impacts of reducing the size of the existing ship channel from the current 1000 -foot width to a 500 -foot width. On page 29 the EA identifies that public access to water areas of the refuge would be restricted in various ways under the different alternatives. Under Alternative C, the existing ship channel would be reduced to 500 feet in width. This restriction could adversely affect the ability of large ships to use the Alameda piers as a berthing area. The EA should evaluate whether reducing the ship channel from 1000 feet to 500 feet or otherwise constricting the channel would adversely impact the existing and proposed waterfront activities at Alameda. This analysis should consider increased safety risks of the narrower channel as well as potential adverse socioeconomic consequences that may result if the pier space at Alameda can no longer be used as a result of the narrower ship channel. We recommend you consult with the City of Alameda, the Coast Guard, and the Maritime Administration regarding this analysis. We have also identified several corrections to the section on contaminants and included it as an enclosure to this letter. We look forward to receiving the Final EA and to expediting the transfer of management of the proposed Alameda National Wildlife Refuge from the Navy to the Service. For additional information please contact Mr. Doug Pomeroy of our staff at telephone number 650 -244 -3008. Sincerel , . kr/L- MICHAEL MIGUEL Base Conversion Manager Navy Comments on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service EA and CCP EA Section 3.3 Contaminants, starting page 32 First paragraph of section, third sentence. Should be changed from "... the Installation Restoration Program has identified approximately six contaminated sites..." to read "...the Installation Restoration Program has identified five contaminated sites..." Second paragraph of section. Replace the entire paragraph with the following: "The sites within the proposed Refuge boundary include a 110 -acre landfill northeast of the West Wetland, the West Wetland, and a portion of the storm sewer system. Two additional sites outside the proposed Refuge boundary include a 12 -acre landfill at the northwest corner of the former NAS Alameda and the Seaplane Lagoon. Contaminants present include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, various petroleum products, and chlorinated solvents." Note for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service preparer: The Navy has not identified the nearshore areas adjacent to the landfills, or the Runway wetland, as Installation Restoration Program sites. Third paragraph of section. Revise the first sentence to read as follows: "Decisions on the selected cleanup methods for the landfills and nearshore areas are due in June 2000 and March 2001, respectively (U.S. Navy 1999)." That is cite this letter for the dates. CCP Section 3.8 Contaminants, starting page 28 Second paragraph of section with the following: "The sites within the proposed Refuge boundary include a 110 -acre landfill northeast of the West Wetland, the West Wetland, and a portion of the storm sewer system. Two additional sites outside the proposed Refuge boundary include a 12 -acre landfill at the northwest corner of the former NAS Alameda and the Seaplane Lagoon. Contaminants present include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, various petroleum products, and chlorinated solvents. Some of these areas have been grouped into operable units (OU) which are management units that allow grouping of sites with similar histories and problems." Note to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service preparer: The Navy has separated the landfills into two different operable units. Section 3.8.1 Pg 28. Change "Operable Unit 3 Landfills" to "Operable Unit 3 Landfill" Pg 28. Change 8th sentence of first paragraph, Section 3.8.1 from "... bioremediating the dechlorinated solvents ". to "...bioremediating the petroleum." Pg 28. Change 10`h sentence of first paragraph, Section 3.8.1 from "... is due in April 2000." to "...is due in June 2000." Pg 28. Make the second paragraph of Section 3.8.1 into a separate section 3.8.2 addressing the "Operable Unit 2 Landfill." Pg 29 see corrected locations of operable units Pg 30. Change existing section 3.8.2 to be Section 3.8.3. Pg 30. Change end of last sentence of first paragraph of existing section 3.8.2 from "... is due in June 2000." to read "... is due in March 2001." Pg 30. Change end of 4`h sentence in existing section 3.8.2 from "...chlorinated pesticides,..." to "chlorinated solvents..." Pg 30. Change beginning of the 6th sentence from "Because of the unassessed potential..." to read "Because of the currently ongoing assessment..." Pg 31. change the first full sentence at the top of page starting "The University..." to read "The University of California at Berkeley is conducting a treatability study of the sediments, and the Navy is preparing an ERA." Pg 31. IRP site 18 is not a portion of OU 4. Your organization of the document should be revised to make this clear, possibly by adding another subsection number. Pg 31. Change the 3`d and 4th sentences the first full paragraph to read "Contaminants formerly present in the system included metals (such as lead, chromium, and copper), PAHs, PCBs, phenols, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, pesticides, and petroleum products. A major portion of the system was cleaned as a time critical removal action." 29 !Bldg. Sq. IT] . Building # cfl ■0 ••■• " k0 131 34,.54 0 0 0" •■•■ 00 Ch en Piers 1, 2, 31 Ch .-. .70- r....: ..... 0 0 <7.) . .... 40,000 0 trt V1 44") 0 CD r, 0 N 4/1s N. ,--. e`f 0.1 Olen 4,110 00 010 0101 •••■■ 1 1 1 I 1 I I I 00 VD ..... * ..... VD ++ 14 167 & piers 42 "0 tg ' c-ti .13 ,Z 0 in soccer field .... N tg CA 530 15 CPO units 44 Term long term long term long term long term long term 1long term long term long term long term 11 year 11 year long term !long term long term long term long term long term Signed Leases & Licenses Manex Entertainment Manex Entertainment Marathon Pallet (Polyethylene) Maritime Administration Maritime Administration ' Marine Sanitation Navigator Systems (Furniture Mfg.) Nelson's Marine (Boat Storage/Repair) Pacific Fine Food, Inc. (Crepe Mfg.) Piedmont Baseball Fdn. Piedmont Soccer Fdn. Richard Miller Photography Simmba Systems (Records Storage) Tower Aviation Trident 3M Services (Port Mgmt.) United Indian Nations (Homeless Coll.) Woodmasters (Cabinetry) Bldg. Sq. Ft. 15,550 I 3 2 en 'et trl 1/40 en en en m 0 0 co'l 0 1-., In, N 0 ...... --, N.• 00 Ch 0 •-• N en 1,- 1--- co ! 4,880[ MI 0 0 0 0 1--(: ., N CD ,...., 0 0 v0 '40 0 0 « 1`.. N ‘0 IMIMIIIIIIIIMI 0 0 kr) tel 00 0.1 17,001 ' 0 0 0 ,_, 0 0 00 0 0 0 N 0 0 .4. 20,000 0 0 'Cr 0 0 ,--, ....., t-- N N .4. tr) --. rn", ■-■ 0 0 00 00 'et .04 CD ,0 rn 0 VI 00 00 •••4 ,,..7 t-, to Pier 3 near Bldg. 530 258 43 tarmac & 405 292 Bldg 2 FISC at FISC 0 CV . 24, 25 76 &134 60 N. C\ in WI (,) ci) 1..4 gLI Cl bi. -0 en ..-. 1/40 ,--, 106 ket .1- ._, ... Term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term 00 0 0 !6 months long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term short term long term long term long term 0 0 long term long term long term long term long term 6 months NO. OF PROPERTIES CURRENTLY OCCUPIED OCCUPIED BUILDING SQUARE FOOTAGE !CURRENT EMPLOYMENT PROJECTED FUTURE EMPLOYMENT I 'Signed Leases & Licenses ACET (Environmental Tech. Incubator) 'AC Hornet Foundation ]Alameda Point Storage (Mini Storage) .'Alameda Unified School District (Altair Marine (Ship Repair) Antiques by the Bay (Collectibles Faire) Bay Ship & Yacht (Ship Repair) Bobac (Warehouse) Bureau of Electricity (Storage Yard) CALSTART (Electric Vehicle Incubator) CALSTART (Test Track) Cellular One (Cell Site) City Garage Carstar (Vehicle Painting) !City of Alameda (Dog Run Park) 'City of Alameda (Ferry Terminal Parking) !City of Alameda (Gym & Pool) City of Alameda (O'Club) City of Alameda (Public Works) City of Alameda (Soccer Field) City of Alameda (Tennis Courts) CyberTran International (Test Track) Delphi Productions (Exhibit Displays) Door Christian Fellowship Church Dunavant of California (Storage) j Emerg. Svcs. Network (Homeless Coll.) Forem Metal Manufacturing Forty Plus (Career Counseling) Home Auto Re air Housing Units (31) IWA Engineers (Steel Fabrication) Love Center Ministries ...4 .... .-■ .--■ .,-. ... ,... .... N cl N N N N N N C4 N en c'el tra N 02/2 4/1999 1E :55 510 -740 -4504 ALAMEDA CITY MANAGER Alameda Reuse and ttedevelotnent Authori Alameda Point Redevelopment Center 950 W, Mall Square. Suite 100 Alameda, CA 94501 Ooverning Body Ralph Appeszato Chair Mayor, City of Alameda Sandrb R Swanson Vice-Chair Dlattict Director for 9th Congressional District Wilms Chan Supervisor, District 3 Alameda County Board of Supervisors Henry Chang, Jr. Oakland Counellmernber saving for Jam Brawn - -or, City of Oakland Sbdla Young Mayor City of San Leandro Tony Daysog Couacllmcmber City of Alameda Albert H. Dcwlet Councilmembcr City of Alameda Barbara Karr Councilmamber City of Alameda Beverly Johnson Councilmernber City of Alameda Jim Filet Executive Director February 11, 1999 Charles Houghten, Chief Planning Branch, ARW/RE U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 911 NE 11th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97232 -4181 Dear Mr. Hougbten: PAGE 01/03 (510) 749-5910 Fax; (510)769.0694 The Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority appreciates the opportunity to submit the following comments on the Draft Complebensive Conservation Plan for the proposed Alameda National Wildlife Refuge and the accompanying Draft Environmental Assessment(EA) for the Establishment and Management of the Alameda National Wildlife Refuge of December, 1998. The ARRA requests that these issues of concern be addressed in the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and EA for the Refuge. These comments incorporate the recommendations of the Base Reuse Advisory Group. Overall, the plan is sufficient to address the operation of the refuge. There remain a few outstanding issues which require the active participation of USFWS to engage in a dialogue with the ARRA/City, bringing alternatives to the table. We have organized them in the same format as our letter of September 12, 1997. Issue 1: Public Access We would prefer the alternative analyzed in the EA as Alternative "D" (over the Service's preferred alternative "C ") because it provides more public access and avoids the narrow definition of the boat access channel. It also proposes a smaller expansion of the least tern colony, which would avoid further conflicts with development plans near the refuge. In our letter of September 12, 1997, we asked that a commitment to protecting boating access be provided in the plan. On page 9 of the Draft EA, it states: "The U. S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration would require accesses to the open bay via the 500 -foot access corridor through the Refuge. If wider access is ever needed, a special use permit would be considered." A major concern is that the proposed 500 -foot wide access corridor to the piers and Seaplane Lagoon is not sufficient for the rife operation of a commercial port for the Maritime Administration (MARAD) ready reserve fleet. The port management and 02/24/1999 16:55 510 -740 -4504 Charles Houghten February 11, 1999 Page 2 ALAMEDA CITY MANAGER PAGE 02/09 MARAD have both requested that the channel be left at 1000 feet wide. Nor is there acconunodation made for the required turning radius for these ships, approximately 1500 feet, using US Anny Corps of Engineers standards, The port is a major economic contributor to the successful reuse of the base (current revenue to ARRA is S1.3 million per year, which would be lost if accommodations are not made for these ships.) The operation entails moving large ships (up to 880 feet long) in and out of port, along with barging of equipment and fuel. • There are also daily ferries and support for the Hornet ship museum, as well as a number of small craft and tugboats that accompany port operations. A narrow channel that would be used by recreational boaters as well as the port would be unsafe. Refuge staff have stated that an accommodation could be made to allow greater access for port ships while regulating pleasure craft. The Refuge plan must recognize that the port, the marina, and the refuge will co- exist, that the port use will not be more intensive than the prior Navy operations, and that the refuge will continue to accommodate port operations with a shipping channel and turning basin of the required dimensions. This issue needs further discussion and recognition in the Refuge plan, with a revised proposal that accommodates the Port while achieving the objectives of restricting small boat traffic in the Refuge. The Refuge plan discusses the possibility of additional restrictions on the Long Breakwater, which is within the City of Alameda, outside of the refuge. Pedestrian access to the breakwater is currently restricted by the City of Alameda. Any additional restrictions requested by Fish and Wildlife would require more discussion. Issue 2: Predator Control The Plan does a good job of describing Predator Management actions by the USFWS; however, there is no mention that the plan will require additional predator management funding for the area outside the refuge. The A.RRA and the City have requested that the appropriation request for the establishment of the refuge include this cost., approximately 560,000 a year. Issue 3: Funding and Operations The plan does not have an implementation schedule. It would be useful to know when the various components of the 15 -year phasing will take place in order for the City to incorporate the refuge into our reuse planning. Will the visitor center be constructed in the first five years? When would fencing and trail upgrades take place which would allow greater public access to the shoreline and the refuge? Will there be restroom facilities for the public other than at the visitors center? There is no funding identified for the perimeter trail. There is no commitment from the East Bay 02/24/1999 16:55 510 -740 -4504 Charles Houghten February 11, 1999 Page 3 ALAMIEDA CITY MANAGER PAGE 03/03 Regional Parks District to build or maintain the trail. Generally, the EBRPD will take over the maintenance of a trail that has been constructed as a mitigation for development or through grant monies. Because the establishment of the trail is so important to public access for this significant segment of Bay shoreline, the Service's appropriation request should include funds for the construction of the trail. We also are concerned with the statement in the plan that Congress may fail to appropriate adequate funds for the "in -lieu" payments to the county to offset lost tax revenues. These payments are vital in order for compensation to be made to the county and city for the lost revenue the refuge represents, as well as to offset the impart for providing public services and infrastructure for public access to a facility that does not generate local taxes. Issue 4: Aesthetics There needs to be more dialogue between the Refuge planners and the ARRA/City about the design of the fence surrounding the refuge before the plan is finalized. The current proposal, an eight -foot high chain -link fence with slats and barbed wire on top, is not compatible with the vision for the rest of the base, nor with the City of Alameda's zoning ordinance. We would prefer no fences. The proposed Refuge fence would detract from or obscure the natural beauty of the 565 acres of the base under their management. The proponents of the Refuge need to develop alternatives for the fence that better meet the criteria of the Community Reuse Plan by maximizing views of the water, vegetation and wildlife, so it can truly be the attraction and amenity described in their planning documents. This letter conveys the major concerns with the plan and its environmental effects. A separate letter will convey a more detailed evaluation of the Environmental Assessment. Thank you for your consideration of these comments. The ARRA will continue to work with the Service to make the Alameda National Wildlife Refuge a success and an asset for the community. Sincerely, Chairman cc: John Barry, Deputy Secretary of the Interior Sandre' Swanson, Vice Chair, Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority Marge Kolar, Director, S. F. Bay Wildlife Refuge Complex Colette Meunier, City of Alameda Planning Director