Alameda Planning Board Meeting – December 9, 2024

The Alameda Planning Board convened on December 9, 2024, at 7:00 PM to hold a public workshop on the proposed Alameda Aquatic Center, consider an amendment to the Encinal Terminals development agreement to extend internal milestones, and review a use permit and design review application for an outdoor dining facility at 2350 Saratoga Street. The meeting also included approval of the consent calendar and public comments from community members and labor representatives.

Consent Calendar

• 4-A: Approved the Planning Board 2025 Meeting Schedule.
• 4-B through 4-E: Approved annual reviews of the Alameda Point Site A, Boatworks, Del Monte Warehouse, and Encinal Terminals Development Agreements. Board Member Ruiz abstained from items 4-D and 4-E due to proximity to their residence.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-Agenda: Darren Clark, representing the Northern California Carpenters Union, spoke in support of union benefits and workforce development.
• Item 5-C (Aquatic Center): Michael Sullivan, a resident south of the site, expressed concerns about potential flooding, water contamination, and noise from the facility. He requested coordination with the Alameda County Adaptation Committee and mitigation measures.
• Item 5-A (Encinal Terminals): Darren Clark and Joe Marispini, both union carpenters, spoke in support of union labor and requested that the project pay area standard wages, prioritize local hiring, and enforce prevailing wage rates. They also raised concerns about traffic impacts.

Discussion Items

• 5-C: Alameda Aquatic Center Public Workshop

  • The Recreation & Parks Director and architect presented conceptual plans for an all-electric, LEED Gold-targeted aquatic center at the west end of Jean Sweeney Open Space Park. The site plan includes a recreation pool, competition pool, windscreen wall, and 100 bicycle parking spaces. Parking is proposed in a surface lot and an adjacent overflow lot.
  • Board members provided feedback on sustainability features, pedestrian safety, drop-off zones, parking demand, mode split goals, the need for trees and shade, the appearance of the Atlantic Avenue facade, and the integration with the trailhead. The applicant noted ongoing coordination with AMP and East Bay MUD.
  • No decisions were made; the item was a workshop to gather input for further design development.

• 5-A: Encinal Terminals Master Plan and Development Agreement Amendment

  • Staff and applicant (North Waterfront Cove LLC/Tim Lewis Communities) requested a three-year extension of internal milestones due to a difficult development market. The project includes 589 units, commercial space, and a tidelands exchange, with a 15-year overall timeline.
  • The amendment conditions include steady progress on forming an assessment district (with specific deadlines through March 2028) and biannual market condition reports. The 15-year deadline remains unchanged.
  • The Board discussed economic feasibility, the assessment district formation process, and workforce issues raised by public comments. The Board recommended approval to City Council, with a note to consider labor and local hiring provisions.

• 5-B: Use Permit and Design Review – 2350 Saratoga Street (Building 8)

  • The applicant proposed outdoor dining improvements including tables, chairs, planters, food trucks, and a temporary shipping container converted into a bar and restroom facility for Saltbreaker and Humble C restaurants. The Historical Advisory Board had previously issued a Certificate of Approval.
  • Board members expressed concerns about the lack of detail in the design review package, particularly regarding lighting plans, landscaping, and the use of artificial turf. After discussion, the applicant indicated flexibility.
  • The Board approved both the use permit and design review with conditions.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (4-A through 4-C approved with all ayes; 4-D and 4-E approved with one abstention from Board Member Ruiz).
• Item 5-A: The Board voted to recommend that the City Council approve the amendment to the Encinal Terminals Master Plan and Development Agreement. The vote passed with one abstention after Board Member Hom raised concerns about balancing workforce requirements with project feasibility.
• Item 5-B: The Board approved the use permit and design review (motion by Board Member Saheba, seconded by Board Member Ruiz) with the following conditions:
  1. Hours of operation limited to sunrise to sunset; expansion requires a lighting plan approved by the Board.
  2. Non-seating areas must use drought-tolerant, low-water ground cover (not artificial turf).
  3. Install a minimum of four trees (48-inch box or equivalent, either in ground or in containers), with species to be coordinated with staff.
  4. Use permit limited to a maximum of two food trucks. The motion passed unanimously.
• Item 5-C: No action taken; staff will incorporate feedback into the next design phase and return for a future hearing.
• Future Meetings: The Board was reminded of a meeting next week and the upcoming formation of a steering committee for inclusionary housing ordinance revisions; two board volunteers are needed.