Alameda Planning Board Meeting - General Plan Forum and Design Review - October 13, 2020

The Alameda Planning Board held a virtual meeting on October 13, 2020, which included a public forum on the second theme of the General Plan (preserving and enhancing Alameda's historic character), followed by a design review hearing for 22416 Lincoln Avenue. The meeting also addressed approval of draft minutes, staff communications, and board communications.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was empty; no routine approvals were considered.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Plan Forum: Multiple community members expressed support for preserving Alameda's historic and maritime character. Speakers urged stronger waterfront planning principles, highlighted the importance of small businesses and neighborhood-serving retail, and requested that new construction be contextual and sensitive to existing scale. One speaker noted the need for a spotlight page on waterfront heritage. Another speaker emphasized maintaining the historic grid and avoiding overly large developments.
• Design Review (22416 Lincoln Avenue): One public speaker (Alan) had no comments. No other public testimony was offered.

Discussion Items

• General Plan Forum (Theme Two): Staff (Andrew Thomas and Amy) presented policies related to preserving Alameda's historic neighborhood character. Topics included building design, street design, waterfront connections, and gateways. The board and public discussed ensuring that policies support all four general plan themes. Board members noted the need to balance historic preservation with housing and sustainability goals.
• Design Review (22416 Lincoln Avenue): The applicant returned with revised plans addressing previous board comments. Board members noted that most requirements were met, but requested a condition to highlight the crosswalk or driveway for pedestrian safety. The item was approved with that condition.
• Draft Minutes (April 27, 2020): The minutes were approved with a minor correction (spelling of a board member's name).
• Staff Communications: Staff reported approval of three design review applications since the last meeting, including a garage demolition certificate for the Lincoln Avenue property.
• Board Communications: The board acknowledged the reappointment of Ron Curtis for another four-year term and welcomed new board member Cisneros (appointed to fill Jeff Kavanaugh's seat). Staff also noted upcoming items: Hilton hotel at Harbor Bay Business Park, development plan for 2607 Santa Clara, Del Monte development agreement amendment, and an amendment to the citywide use permit for outdoor business spaces during COVID-19.

Key Outcomes

• Design Review Approved: The design review for 22416 Lincoln Avenue was approved (motion by Curtis, seconded, passed unanimously with a condition to highlight the crosswalk/driveway for pedestrian safety).
• Minutes Approved: The draft minutes from April 27, 2020 were approved with a minor correction.
• General Plan Forum: The forum concluded with no formal action, but staff will incorporate board and public feedback into the draft General Plan. Board members were encouraged to submit written comments.