Alameda Planning Board Meeting - November 23, 2020

The Alameda Planning Board convened virtually on November 23, 2020, at 7:00 PM via Zoom. The board considered three regular agenda items: a development plan and density bonus for a mixed-use infill project on Santa Clara Avenue, a use permit and design review for a tavern on Webster Street, and a mitigated negative declaration and use permit for a solar facility at the Doolittle Landfill. Board members present: President Teague, Vice President Saheba, and members Cisneros, Curtis, Hom, Rothenberg, Ruiz. The meeting included public comment on various items and concluded with board communications and adjournment just before 11:00 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Item 6-A (2021 Planning Board Regular Meeting Schedule): Approved unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Oral Communications (non-agenda): Keith Weisson inquired about landscaping maintenance on the Cross Alameda Trail, noting weeds and infrequent mowing. Staff advised contacting the Parks Department.
• Item 7A (Santa Clara Avenue project): Anisa Dominguez, a tenant at 1514 Broadway, expressed concerns about the proposed parking structure, stating it clashes with the 1908 Victorian home; she also cited traffic from the adjacent driveway and the lack of private common open space for existing tenants.
• Item 7B (Webster Street tavern): Several public comments were received but not fully transcribed; the board acknowledged receiving two letters after the staff report.
• Item 7C (Solar facility): No public speakers were recorded beyond the applicant's presentation.

Discussion Items

• Item 7A (PLN19-0448): Development Plan, Density Bonus, and Tentative Map for 2607-2619 Santa Clara Avenue and 1514-1518 Broadway. Applicant Branagh Development proposed subdividing the property into parcels, constructing nine townhomes (total 31 units) with two deed-restricted very low-income units, requiring numerous waivers under state density bonus law. Board members emphasized the importance of thorough design review, with member Hom noting the large number of waivers and the need for quality materials and massing. A motion to approve the development plan and density bonus passed 6-1 (Curtis opposed). A separate motion to recommend the city council approve the tentative map passed 6-1. The board stressed the design review packet must be complete.
• Item 7B (PLN19-0237): Use Permit, Parking Waiver, and Design Review for 1929 Webster Street. Applicant proposed a tavern with outdoor seating and extended hours (until 2:00 AM). Due to site constraints, a parking waiver was debated; the board decided not to approve the parking waiver but instead directed the applicant to seek a parking variance through the zoning administrator. Design review was deferred to a future planning board meeting. The use permit was approved with conditions: hours until 2:00 AM, a noise review after one year (or sooner if needed), and encouragement to pursue a curb cut for drop-off. Motion carried unanimously (7-0).
• Item 7C (PLN19-0601): Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and Use Permit for the Alameda Municipal Power Solar Facility at the Doolittle Landfill. The 2.0 megawatt photovoltaic facility would occupy 11 acres on a closed landfill with a 25-year use permit, after which the site would become a park. The board adopted the MND and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program unanimously. The use permit was approved unanimously with an added condition requiring visual screening or vegetation to reduce glare at the viewpoint OP1 intersection (the "if feasible" qualifier was removed due to safety concerns).

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent calendar (6-A) unanimously.
• Item 7A: Approved development plan and density bonus (6-1); recommended city council approve tentative map (6-1). Staff and applicant to prepare a complete design review packet.
• Item 7B: Approved use permit for tavern with 2:00 AM hours and noise review condition (7-0). Parking variance to be processed by zoning administrator; design review to return to planning board.
• Item 7C: Adopted mitigated negative declaration (7-0); approved use permit with glare mitigation condition (7-0).
• Board Communications: Member Ruiz inquired about compliance with AB 1486 (surplus land); staff to follow up offline.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 11:00 PM.