2006-07-05 SubmittalsLeague of Women Voters of Alameda
P.O. Box 1645
Alameda, California 94501
lieetafeeel, (510) 869 -4969
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Alameda City Council
City Hall, Santa Clara and Oak Streets
Alameda, CA 94501
Dear Mayor Johnson and Members of the City Council:
The League of Women Voters of Alameda urges the Council to place on the ballot for
November 2006, a measure amending the City Charter to exempt Alameda Point from the
provisions of Article XXVI — "Measure A." In order to allow the voice of all Alameda citizens to
be heard on this vital matter, the rules governing the development of Alameda Point should be
put to a vote.
As we move closer to finalizing the development plans for the Point, the community has become
increasingly anxious and polarized about what it will mean to restrict or allow certain types of
housing and development. Some feel that the current provisions of Measure A should be
preserved at all costs; others contend that the issues and electorate are not the same today as
they were in 1973 when Measure A was passed. During the many public meetings and
workshops there was considerable interest in changing Measure A to allow a greater mix of
housing types at the Point.
We, the League, do not endorse or oppose the possible exemption of Measure A for Alameda
Point development. Placing this issue on the ballot will allow the community to move beyond
contentious dialogue to a constructive and thoughtful implementation stage and may avoid
costly lawsuits and further delays.
We commend the Council for its admirable effort to include the public in the planning process for
the Point. The League of Women Voters holds as one of its most fundamental principles that
democratic government depends on the informed and active participation of its citizens.
Thank you for your consideration of this request to put a measure on the November 2006 ballot
changing the City Charter to exempt Alameda Point from Article XXVI.
Sincerely,
Karen Butter
League of Women Voters of Alameda
Action Committee
Submitted by Karen Butter at the
7/5/06 Regular Council Meeting
Under Oral Communications