Historical Advisory Board Meeting - February 5, 2026
Historical Advisory Board Meeting - February 5, 2026
The Historical Advisory Board of Alameda met on February 5, 2026, to consider a certificate of approval for relocating historic street lights as part of a major corridor improvement project, and to continue a separate certificate of approval to the next meeting. The board unanimously approved the continuation and the street light relocation with specific conditions regarding salvage and replacement standards.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the draft meeting minutes from December 4, 2025.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments were offered, either in person or online.
Discussion Items
- Continuation of Item 4A – Radium Theater Performing Arts Center: The board voted unanimously to continue the certificate of approval for the Radium Theater project to the March 5, 2026 meeting, with no discussion on the merits.
- Item 4B – Lincoln Avenue, Marshallway, Pacific Avenue Corridor Improvement Project: Project manager Gail Payne presented a $20 million, three-mile corridor improvement project aimed at improving safety, mobility, and reducing flooding. The project requires relocation of seven historic street lights (designated historic monuments) due to roadway changes, including a new cul-de-sac near Academy School, a roundabout, and ADA improvements. Five lights are near the school, one near the roundabout, and one at Broadway. The board discussed the condition of the poles, the importance of retention and salvage (especially for a rare double-pendant light), proper paint color (moss green), and contractual incentives for contractors. Board members emphasized that relocation should be prioritized, with replacement only as a last resort. They also requested that the city research pole conditions before construction to facilitate salvage. The board also addressed funding uncertainty and agreed that a three-year expiration on the certificate was appropriate, with a possible two-year extension.
Key Outcomes
- Approved Continuation (Item 4A): Motion to continue the certificate of approval for the Radium Theater project to the March 5, 2026 meeting. Passed unanimously.
- Approved Certificate of Approval with Amendments (Item 4B): The board approved the certificate of approval for relocating the seven historic street lights. The motion included amendments: (1) the poles are approved for relocation to the specified locations in the plans; (2) previously approved replacement standards are acceptable for single-pole lights; (3) for the double-arm light, if no pre-approved replacement exists, a best effort shall be made to replicate the design while making it distinguishable. The motion carried unanimously.
Other Business
- Board Communications: A board member reported on visits to Improv Central, Park Station, and the California Historical Radio Society, highlighting preservation practices and community engagement. The member also noted February is Black History Month and mentioned the underrepresentation of African American and minority histories in national register listings, suggesting thematic studies for Alameda.
- Staff Communications: Staff noted they are still seeking applicants for a vacant board position and invited the mayor’s participation in interviews. They also announced upcoming presentations on recent rehabilitation projects.
Meeting Transcript
I think we're ready to go. Okay, great. Um, are you ready? Let's do it. Okay. Um, we'll start with roll call this evening uh for the historical advisory board meeting of Thursday, February fifth, two thousand twenty-six. Uh, starting with board member Brito present. Board member Bevin present, and board member Hernandez. Present. Uh, we have one excuse absence, Board Member Crady. Um, and one, um, absence on the board. Excellent. Um, start off with our non-agenda public comments. Anyone can speak for three minutes regarding anything not on the agenda. I don't know if uh anyone here has anything they want to bring up that's not on the agenda, or if there's anyone online. No hands raised. No hands raised. So that brings us to item number three, minutes. Um, we have uh approval of our draft meeting minutes from the December fourth meeting. Uh, does anybody have any questions or comments about those meeting minutes? Anyone care to make a motion about seven minutes? I will move to approve the draft meeting minutes from December fourth, twenty twenty five. I second. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. The eyes have it. Which brings us to regular agenda. Um it's my understanding that item four A, uh, which was on the agenda for tonight, will actually be continued to next meeting. Correct. And so procedurally, it would be good if you um open the item, made a motion to continue to March fifth and closed the meeting. The item that with no comments because you're not hearing it. We're not hearing it. Okay. So item 4A was a certificate of approval for the Radium Theater Performing Arts Center project. Is there a motion to continue this to the March 5th meeting? Motion that the certificate of approval be uh moved to the March 5th meeting. And second. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. Super. So that brings us to item 4B, which is a certificate approval for the Lincoln Avenue Marshallway, Pacific Avenue Corridor Improvement Project. This is on behalf of the City of Alameda. Is there a presentation on this? Yes, uh, good evening. This evening uh we have Gail Payne joining us. Uh, she's been coordinating this item on our behalf, and we'll make the presentation.
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