1999-12-07 Special CIC MinutesMINUTES 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.
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Community Improvement Commission
December 7, 1999
Bill Smith, Alameda, commented on opportunities in the West End and
Northern Waterfront.
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
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December 7, 1999
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.
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
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December 7, 1999
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.
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.
Special Meeting
Community Improvement Commission
December 7, 1999
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chair Appezzato adjourned the
Special Meeting at 8:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
4*(
ane B. Felsc , CMC
Secretary, Community Improvement
Commission
The Agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
Special Meeting
Community Improvement Commission
December 7, 1999