Alameda Planning Board Meeting – December 1, 2022

This meeting (provided date: 2022-12-01; raw transcript says October 10, 2022) covered the Active Transportation Plan workshop, a Dish Wireless rooftop facility, housing element zoning map changes, and a proposed Alameda Landing master plan amendment.

Consent Calendar

• No items were on the consent calendar.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 7D (Active Transportation Plan): Cindy Johansson spoke in support of the draft plan but urged more specific, data-driven performance measures (e.g., "15 schools participating by 2030") and recommended a mode shift goal of 20% of trips by walking/biking by 2030, citing Minneapolis's 35% target.
• Item 7A (Dish Wireless): Multiple residents offered comments. Devin Westerholm questioned whether alternative locations (e.g., Alameda High School) had been adequately explored. Diane Clark expressed health and privacy concerns, saying the facility would face her bedroom/home office. Matt Reed pointed to missing information on antenna count, service cones, a map of other sites, and tree impact. Adrian Lack noted the adjacent Garrett Mansion is historically eligible and the facility would face living spaces. John Cabellus asked why the Mastic site was not scrutinized and whether other carriers could later co-locate without approval.
• Item 7B (Zoning Map Changes): Karen Bay expressed concern about potential loss of West End retail and sales tax leakage, and asked whether the Mariner Village Fitness/Aquitech parcel was missing.
• Item 7C (Alameda Landing): Many current and future residents opposed the proposed amendment. Jill Benson (in escrow) said the recreation building would impair her view and raised parking concerns. Carrie DeGraf said Poulty had not been transparent. Enrico Limcaco and Sherry DeGuzman echoed parking and process concerns. Chris Lloyd requested a 30-day delay for resident input. Joel Plaissance calculated a third of his view would be blocked. Steve and Cece cited complete view obstruction and parking. Yarel Heravillar asked for a sight-line study and questioned research behind the plan. Marnie and Ford Roosevelt said they were misled by sales representatives. Chuck Vivian and Allison also raised transparency and view premium issues.

Discussion Items

• Agenda Change: The board voted unanimously to move item 7D to the beginning of the agenda to allow public comment during the workshop.
• 7D – Active Transportation Plan: Staff announced the draft plan was available for review and comment at www.activealamita.org with a deadline of October 23, 2022. No board questions or action were taken; the item served as an announcement.
• 7A – Dish Wireless Facility: Staff reviewed federal preemption rules, the 90-day shot clock (decision deadline November 15, 2022), and design review criteria. The applicant (Dish/Qualtech) explained site selection and design revisions. Board members asked about co-location, RF barriers, and alternative sites. The board discussed approving with a condition to move barriers away from the roof edge.
• 7B – Zoning Map Changes for Seven Parcels: Staff presented a resolution recommending City Council adoption of zoning map changes for housing opportunity sites, including four shopping centers, two northern waterfront parcels, and Webster Street Plaza. Staff confirmed ongoing discussions with property owners.
• 7C – Alameda Landing Master Plan Amendment: Staff and applicant proposed replacing a required 5,000 sq ft commercial space with a 1,469 sq ft community building (dedicated to the city) and two moderate-income detached homes. Parks and Recreation staff were involved in the design. Residents and board members raised concerns about views, parking, transparency, and the reduced civic/community space. The board also discussed the timing of construction and park integration.

Key Outcomes

• 7D: No action taken; the public comment period remains open until October 23, 2022.
• 7A: Motion to approve the Dish Wireless design review with barrier adjustments passed 6-0.
• 7B: Motion to recommend City Council adoption of the zoning map changes passed unanimously (all ayes).
• 7C: Motion to approve the staff recommendation for the Alameda Landing amendment failed (1-4). The board did not take further action, effectively declining to recommend the project. Staff suggested the applicant work with staff and residents on revised options.

Additional Notes

• The transcript identifies the meeting date as October 10, 2022, but the provided metadata specifies 2022-12-01. This summary uses the provided metadata date.
• Upcoming meetings: October 24, 2022 canceled; next meeting November 14, 2022 with a heavy agenda.