Planning Board Meeting - July 26, 2021

The Alameda Planning Board convened on July 26, 2021, at 7:00 PM via Zoom. The board addressed a consent calendar, a temporary use permit for a parking lot, a design review for a medical respite facility, and other administrative items. Key actions included approval of the temporary use permit with conditions and approval of the design review with a 4-3 vote.

Consent Calendar

• 6-A (1310 Harbor Bay Parkway): Approved final development plan amendment to reduce front yard setback from 50 to 49 feet for a two-story R&D office building. Unanimous consent.

Public Comments & Testimony

Item 6-B (1435 Webster Street Temporary Use Permit):

• Residents (Melissa Malam, Marie Malam, Stacey Marino, Constance Garcia) expressed strong opposition, citing excessive noise, parking issues, and disruption to quality of life. They requested no amplified music after October or denial of the permit.
• Supporters (Tina Blaine, Zach Bowling, Janet Koike, Stacey Lewis) highlighted community benefits, economic support for local businesses, and the need for outdoor arts programming during COVID. The applicant (Linda Asbury, West Alameda Business Association) stated no profit is made, that sound mitigation measures have been implemented, and that ticketed events cover artist fees.

Item 7-A (1245 McKay Avenue Design Review):

• Public testimony was restricted to design issues. Speakers (Zach Bowling, Ronlin Harris) praised the design as beautiful and appropriate. Others (Carmen Reed, John Healy, Mike Van Dyne, Harvey Rosal, Liz Cox) criticized the lack of historic reference, questioned the lack of public notice, and raised concerns about the building's height, materials, and sustainability.

Discussion Items

6-B – 1435 Webster Street Temporary Use Permit:

• Staff recommended a limited use permit through December 31, 2021, with conditions including amplified sound restrictions and compliance with noise ordinances. Board members discussed noise levels, attendee capacity (220 vs. 350), and the number of amplified events per weekend. The applicant confirmed contracts were signed before the use permit process.
• Key Amendments: Board member Cisneros moved to approve with modifications: noise monitoring at property line to comply with city ordinance (50-60 dB), reduce maximum attendees to 220, limit amplified events to two per weekend (with a September exception for three events), and correct event date lists. Motion passed 6-1 (Curtis opposed).

7-A – 1245 McKay Avenue Design Review:

• Staff and applicant presented plans for a two-story, 29,810-square-foot medical respite facility with contemporary design. Board members raised concerns about the east (McKay) elevation's lack of activation, sustainability features (all-electric, solar shading, roof material), and materials (EIFS texture, roof type). Some members favored approving with conditions delegated to staff, while others wanted further board review.
• After debate, board member Cisneros moved to approve with conditions: smooth EIFS texture, refined McKay elevation, a sustainability plan, improved roofing material (preference for standing seam), and a suggestion for on-site public art referencing site history. Motion passed 4-3 (Ruiz, Sahaba, Rothenberg opposed; Curtis, Hom, Cisneros, Teague in favor).

7-B & 7-C (General Plan Update and Vision Zero Plan):

• Continued to September 13, 2021, due to time constraints.

7-D – Board Elections:

• Board member Sahaba elected President; board member Ruiz elected Vice President.

8-A – Minutes of June 14, 2021:

• Approved as amended (5-0-2 abstentions).

Key Outcomes

• 6-B Approved (6-1) with conditions on noise, capacity (220), amplified event frequency, and corrected event dates.
• 7-A Approved (4-3) with conditions to refine design, improve sustainability, and select materials.
• General Plan Update and Vision Zero Action Plan continued to September 13, 2021.
• New board leadership elected: President Sahaba, Vice President Ruiz.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:00 PM.