Loading...
1999-12-07 CIC Minutes Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission December 7, 1999 1 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY- -DECEMBER 7, 1999- -7:15 P.M. Chair Appezzato convened the Special Meeting at 7:35 p.m. Commissioner DeWitt led the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Don Taylor, Central Baptist Church, gave the invocation. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Daysog, DeWitt, Johnson, Kerr and Chair Appezzato - 5. Absent: None. MINUTES (99-36) Minutes of the Special Community Improvement Commission Meeting held on November 16, 1999. Approved. Commissioner Johnson moved approval of the Minutes. Commissioner DeWitt seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Daysog moved approval of the Consent Calender. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.] (99-37) Recommendation to accept Annual Report of the Community Improvement Commission. Accepted. AGENDA ITEMS (99-38) Public Hearing to consider adoption of a Second Five-Year Implementation Plan, 1999-2000 through 2003-2004, for the Business and Waterfront Improvement Project (BWIP) and the West End Community Improvement Project. Chair Appezzato opened the public portion of the Hearing. Bill Smith, Alameda, commented on opportunities in the West End and Northern Waterfront. Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission December 7, 1999 2 There being no further speakers, Chair Appezzato closed the public portion of the Hearing. Commissioner DeWitt moved acceptance of the staff recommendation. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion. Under discussion, Commissioner Kerr stated Section 4 [of the Five-Year Implementation Plan] states: one of the two regional traffic access points to the Project Area requires major improvements; inquired whether statement is referring to the entrance from the Tube and Tinker/Tynan improvements. The Economic Development Manager responded in the affirmative. In response to Commissioner Kerr’s inquiry regarding the two biggest point pollution sources in the BWIP, the Economic Development Manager stated sources were identified when the Redevelopment Plan was adopted in 1991 and that he would need to research the matter. Commissioner Kerr requested the Economic Development Manager to report back to the Commission on the two biggest point pollution sources in BWIP. Commissioner Kerr further inquired whether there is an update on the Bridgeside Center, to which the Economic Development Manager responded purchase of the site is being discussed with a potential buyer. Commissioner Kerr stated the Plan mentions there are inadequate recreation facilities in the area; Banta-Collins is thinking about converting to work/live studios at the corner of Oak Street and Clement Avenue; inquired whether waterfront access has been addressed. The Planning Director responded Banta-Collins does not own the property all the way to the waterfront; an intervening parcel is held by the Army Corps of Engineers; staff has discussed that the waterfront needs to be reviewed, has requested Banta-Collins to work with the Army Corps and has offered to assist in said relationship; Planning has identified lack of excessive waterfront access as an issue for the project; staff would not recommend the project unless the waterfront is treated more successfully than in preliminary proposals. Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission December 7, 1999 3 In response to Commissioner Kerr’s inquiry whether the goal is attractive public access, the Planning Director responded in the affirmative. Chair Appezzato stated the goal is public access around the entire City of Alameda. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (99-39) Recommendation to authorize the Executive Director to submit a Grant Application to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for a Webster Street “Streetscape Project” and to incorporate a Community Improvement Commission Pledge to fund an 11.5% Match. Kent Rosenblum, President, West Alameda Business Association (WABA), stated a significant source of funding has been identified to develop the Webster Street corridor; a streetscape plan has been developed by a group of volunteers; requested the City to guarantee the 11.5% match [in funding] if WABA receives the grant. Georgia Madden, WABA, stated that she was the Project Design Co-Chair; three years of community workshops have involved the entire West End community, including business owners, residents and City representatives; a professional urban design team is needed to develop the plan and get accurate cost estimates for installation; three zones of Webster Street were identified; the project will enhance the merits of each zone and turn Webster Street into a neighborhood center again; the goal is to move from auto-oriented into a historic district where people can stroll and window shop in the evenings; design guidelines for infill architecture will also be prepared. Commissioner Johnson stated there seems to be strong acceptance of the plans. Ms. Madden stated community involvement will be continued. Commissioner Johnson further stated outside funding sources being sought will help accomplish plans in the business district. Chair Appezzato stated MTC has approximately $18 Million available for transportation for livable communities; every county in Northern California will be competing for said funding. Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission December 7, 1999 4 Commissioner Daysog stated Webster Street is positioning itself to take advantage of new customers which will exist due to changes in the area during the next two to three years. Richard Neveln, Alameda, stated that he supports seeking the grant to improve Webster Street and taking better advantage of mass transit which exists; bus shelters are needed for shoppers; planners should include shelters which will fit in with the City. Bill Smith, Alameda, commented on credibility of the project and the possibility of the use of electric shuttles. Commissioner Daysog stated the process did not involve only businesses, residents were included. Commissioner Johnson stated the need for bus shelters is being addressed by the City’s Public Transit Committee. Commissioner Johnson moved approval of the staff recommendation. Commissioner Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS None. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Appezzato adjourned the Special Meeting at 8:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Diane B. Felsch, CMC Secretary, Community Improvement Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission December 7, 1999 5 Commission The Agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.