Alameda Planning Board Meeting - January 24, 2022

The Alameda Planning Board met on January 24, 2022, at 7:00 PM via Zoom to consider a design review amendment for Block 11 at Alameda Point and to hold a public workshop on draft housing element zoning code amendments. The board approved the design review amendment 6-0 and received public input on the housing element changes.

Consent Calendar

• No items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Israel (architect): Explained that the proposed change to the west elevation windows differentiated the residential lobby from retail entrances, noting that the hangar door aesthetic was reserved for retail.
• Betsy Matheson (Alameda resident): Expressed interest in seeing the south elevation to understand the relationship between hangar doors on the first floor and upper floors.
• Zach Bowling (public): Supported staff’s approach, argued that Article 26 (Measure A) is preempted by state law, and suggested an affordable housing overlay to meet affirmative fair housing obligations.
• Karen Bay (public): Proposed rezoning North Park District maritime manufacturing zones to allow transitional housing, affordable housing, and low barrier navigation centers to address inequities in housing distribution.
• Josh Dyer (public): Supported staff’s approach, argued that Article 26 is exclusionary and that state law supersedes local charters.
• Rolling Smith (public): Seconded earlier comments and called for the affirmative fair housing baseline to be made available before finalizing zoning decisions.
• Christopher Buckley (Alameda Architectural Preservation Society): Argued that upzoning R2 to R6 was premature, recommended using a multifamily overlay for specific sub-areas, and noted that ADU projections may exceed previous estimates.
• Alex Spear (public): Expressed strong support for upzoning Park and Webster Streets while preserving historic character, and advocated for increased density.

Discussion Items

• 7-A: Design Review Amendment for Block 11 (West Atlantic Avenue and Pan Am Way): Staff (Andrew Thomas, Planning Director) presented a request by UDR, Inc. to modify the ground-floor west elevation window design. The previously approved condition required a specific window arrangement, but the applicant proposed switching the lobby entry and fitness center window designs. Staff supported the change. The board discussed clarity of entry; some members noted the new design was less obvious but ultimately approved the amendment.
• 7-B: Public Workshop on Draft Housing Element Zoning Code Amendments: Staff presented proposed changes to definitions and regulations for residential uses, including transitional/supportive housing, shared living, residential care, warming centers, low barrier navigation centers, and multifamily dwellings. Discussion focused on compliance with state law, the conflict with Article 26 (Measure A), and the need for fair housing. Board members raised questions about definitions, density calculations, and the zoning map. No final decisions were made; the workshop was intended to gather feedback for future amendments.

Key Outcomes

• 7-A: The board approved the design review amendment (Motion by Board Member Teague, seconded by Board Member Cisneros) with a vote of 6-0 (Board Member Hom absent). The change allows the alternative window design on the west elevation.
• 7-B: No vote was taken. The board provided feedback and direction to staff, including: clarifying definitions, exploring the use of SB10, considering an affordable housing overlay, and addressing concerns about Article 26 compliance. Staff will incorporate feedback into future zoning code amendments and housing element updates, with upcoming meetings on February 14, 2022, to discuss commercial district zoning and other items.