Alameda Planning Board Meeting – October 28, 2024

The Alameda Planning Board met on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. Four board members were present (Sue, Hom, Wang, Saheba), three were absent, and a quorum was established. The board approved the September 23, 2024 meeting minutes and, after a public hearing and deliberation, approved an indefinite extension of the Planned Development Permit for St. Joseph’s Community (1109 Chestnut Street) with an amendment to allow flexibility in the timeline for redesigned street closure improvements. The meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM.

Consent Calendar

• 4-A – Draft Meeting Minutes – September 23, 2024: Staff noted minor typos; the board approved the minutes with corrections (motion by Saheba, second by South; all present members voted aye; three absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-Agenda Public Comment (first opportunity): No speakers.
• Public Hearing – 1109 Chestnut Street: One Chestnut Street resident asked whether the street closure hours would change (staff confirmed no change) and requested clarification on a previously abandoned street segment (staff explained it is private property). The resident did not express opposition.
• Non-Agenda Public Comment (second opportunity): No speakers.

Discussion Items

• 5-A – PLN24-0494 – 1109 Chestnut Street – Planned Development Amendment (St. Joseph’s Community):
  • Staff Presentation (Steve Buckley, Planning Services Manager): Reviewed the history of PD-98-01, originally approved with a 10-year term and a daytime street closure during school hours. The permit was extended in 2009 (Resolution PB-09-22) and is set to expire November 2024. Staff recommended an indefinite extension because the conditions are functioning well, and it would allow integration with the forthcoming Chestnut Street Greenway project. The current metal barricades do not meet current engineering standards; staff proposed deferring to the city engineer to design a more aesthetic, safe closure that accommodates pedestrians and cyclists. Staff also noted the extension would maintain all existing conditions (enrollment cap, parking, event management, etc.).
  • Applicant Presentation (Father Steve Kane, Principal, St. Joseph Notre Dame High School): Expressed full support for the extension, emphasized student safety, and stated willingness to partner with the city on the street closure redesign. He noted the school currently has no major expansion plans and seeks to be a good neighbor regarding parking concerns.
  • Board Discussion:
    • Board members asked about the typical duration of Planned Development permits (staff noted indefinite is common once vested).
    • Concerns were raised about granting an indefinite term given potential future transportation changes; staff clarified that the street closure is governed by a separate encroachment agreement under the city engineer’s authority, and that the Planning Board retains the ability to revoke or modify the permit under Condition 33.
    • Board member Saheba requested adding flexibility to the timeline in Condition 2 (30/90/180 days for insurance, plan approval, installation) to allow the city engineer to grant reasonable extensions. Staff agreed; the amendment was incorporated as “letter E.”

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved with typographical corrections.
• Motion on 5-A (1109 Chestnut Street): Motion by (unnamed board member, second by Wang) to approve Resolution PB-24-XX as amended to include an additional finding allowing the city engineer to grant reasonable extensions for the street closure improvements. All present members voted aye; three members were absent. Motion carried.
• Next Steps: The city engineer will negotiate an encroachment agreement with the applicant and integrate the street closure redesign with the Chestnut Street Greenway project. The applicant will submit required insurance and conceptual plans within the modified timeline.
• Upcoming Meetings: The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2024 (due to the Monday holiday), and will include three items related to Alameda Point.
• Board Communication: An update on the Performing Arts Theater at Alameda Point will be presented as a study session to the full board at the November 12 meeting.