City of Alameda Planning Board Meeting - December 11, 2023

The City of Alameda Planning Board met on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The board heard public comments, considered a consent calendar, and deliberated on four regular agenda items: a tentative subdivision map at Alameda Point, an amendment to the RESHAP supportive housing plan, a conditional use permit for outdoor pickleball courts, and an administrative use permit and design review for a school bus parking facility. The meeting adjourned at 9:24 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Draft Meeting Minutes – October 23, 2023: Initially moved for approval, but because a quorum of members who had attended the prior meeting was not present, the item was continued. Later in the meeting, with a quorum, the minutes were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-Agenda Public Comment (start of meeting): Shelby Sheehan expressed concerns about historic district compliance and the Historical Advisory Board's lack of authority over certificates of approval. Doug Biggs, Executive Director of Alameda Point Collaborative, provided an update on the McKay Avenue Wellness Project, noting demolition was nearing completion and new construction would begin around December 26.
• Non-Agenda Public Comment (end of meeting): Shelby Sheehan again spoke, criticizing board decisions, staff legal interpretations, and CEQA documentation, and called for more review by the Historical Advisory Board.
• Speakers on specific agenda items are noted under the relevant items below.

Discussion Items

5-A – Alameda Point Vesting Tentative Map (Tract 8696): Staff presented a proposal to subdivide a 160.64-acre city-owned parcel into 23 lots, 3 remainder parcels, and associated public rights-of-way to facilitate the West Midway, RESHAP, and food bank projects. The CEQA determination referenced the Alameda General Plan 2040 Final EIR. Public speaker Karen Bay expressed support, highlighting the project's 50% affordable housing component. Shelby Sheehan opposed, arguing the map should go before the Historical Advisory Board and was premature. The board approved the tentative map on a 5-0 vote.

5-B – RESHAP Development Plan Amendment: Staff requested approval to amend the RESHAP Development Plan and Development Agreement to increase supportive housing units from 309 to a minimum of 332. This was described as a technical correction to meet the 40% very low- and low-income goal and comply with surplus land act requirements. Doug Biggs (Alameda Point Collaborative) and Sarah McIntyre (MidPen Housing) spoke in support. Shelby Sheehan opposed, citing inconsistencies with the Main Street plan and inadequate environmental review. The board approved the amendment 6-0, with the motion clarified to include both the development plan and the development agreement.

5-C – 800 West Tower Avenue Pickleball Courts: A public hearing was held for a conditional use permit to allow seven outdoor pickleball courts at an existing sports and fitness club. Applicant Pat Rolfes discussed the proposed seven-foot fencing, wind screens, and operations. Shelby Sheehan expressed support with suggestions for transparent or partially screened fencing. Board discussion addressed fence height, exterior screening aesthetics, and parking safety. The board approved the permit 6-0 with conditions including wheel stops in affected parking stalls, a non-black exterior screen complementing the historic setting, and compliance with sign regulations.

5-D – 700 Essex Drive Administrative Use Permit and Design Review: A public hearing considered an administrative use permit for Zum Services, Inc. to establish permanent parking for small school buses, a perimeter fence, and modular office/restroom buildings on Alameda Unified School District property. Staff and applicant Shadek Khan (AUSD) presented the project, noting improved on-time performance. Public speakers Shelby Sheehan and Carmen Reed raised concerns about historic district impacts, compatibility, and the surplus land process. Board discussion covered operations, idling, and fencing. The board approved the administrative use permit and design review 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the October 23, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous).
• Approved the Alameda Point Vesting Tentative Map (5-0).
• Approved the RESHAP Development Plan and Development Agreement amendment (6-0).
• Approved the Conditional Use Permit for seven outdoor pickleball courts at 800 West Tower Avenue with added conditions (6-0).
• Approved the Administrative Use Permit and Design Review for 700 Essex Drive (6-0).
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 8, 2024.