Alameda Planning Board Meeting - December 8, 2025

The Planning Board met on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. to consider two main agenda items: a design review and vesting tentative map for a large residential project (West Midway Phase A, the "Crafted Neighborhood") and a tree removal and replanting plan for the Tilden-Clement roundabout project. The board also approved consent calendar items and received staff updates.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of November 10, 2025, Meeting Minutes: Motion to approve with a minor correction (abstention record) passed unanimously (4‑0, with one absence). Board member Ruiz was absent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non‑agenda public comment: None.
• Consent calendar public comment: None.
• Item 5a (West Midway Phase A): No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. Six written comments were submitted; most were in support, one was critical (raising concerns about exceeding the Alameda Point unit cap, historic impacts, and reliance on prior EIRs). Staff addressed these comments, noting the project is outside the historic district and within the approved EIR.
• Item 5b (Tree Removal Plan): No public comments.

Discussion Items

• Item 5a – Design Review & Vesting Tentative Map – West Midway Phase A (Crafted Neighborhood):
  • Staff (Henry Dong) introduced the project: 62 new buildings with 284 units on 12.4 acres (part of a larger 22.8‑acre master plan). The project includes a mix of duets (2‑ and 3‑story), 3‑story townhomes, and 4‑story condominiums, plus a central greenway, park, and private streets with public access easements.
  • Project sponsor (Alejandra Dominguez, Brookfield Residential) and design team (David Burton, KTGY; Margaret, Woodley Architects) presented the neighborhood concept and three housing typologies (Artisan, Harmony, Mastery).
  • Board members asked clarifying questions:
    • Affordable housing: Phase A includes two moderate‑income units; the remaining 37 affordable units (including workforce housing at 120–180% AMI) are in Phase B. The project is governed by a development agreement and DDA, not the new inclusionary ordinance.
    • Workforce housing: Not deed‑restricted but initial sale must target 120–180% AMI; market‑rate AMI is ~300%.
    • Universal design waiver: Duets have some universal design units despite the waiver.
    • Street names: Selected from the existing HAB‑approved list.
    • Roundabout: Explored but not feasible due to right‑of‑way constraints.
  • Board members provided design feedback and expressed overall support:
    • President Cisneros and several members praised the project’s pedestrian orientation, greenway, and contribution to housing goals.
    • Board Member Sahiba commented on massing consistency, especially with the duets, and suggested stronger continuity in materials and wayfinding.
    • Board Member Hom appreciated the three different architects and the resulting variety, though noted some odd design elements (e.g., a rear elevation on the duets).
    • Board Member Sue highlighted the thoroughness of the application.
    • Board Member Dewees raised safety concerns about the greenway’s connection to Main Street (jaywalking risk) and lighting maintenance on private streets.
• Item 5b – Tree Removal and Replanting Plan – Tilden‑Clement Roundabout Project:
  • Staff (Scott Workstrum, city engineer; Aliha Teffy, public works) presented: 65 trees to be removed (including four Coast Live Oaks, which received Historical Advisory Board approval) and 101 new trees (24‑inch box) to be planted, plus irrigation. The project includes a roundabout, road diet, Clement Avenue extension, trail connections, and a dog park.
  • Board members asked about:
    • The supplemental planting exhibit (clarified as a reorganized version).
    • Replacement tree species selection and compliance with the Street Tree Master Plan.
    • CEQA coverage: Prior EIR and a categorical exemption were discussed; board agreed to rely on the prior EIR.
  • Board members expressed strong support for the project’s safety and gateway improvements.
• Staff Communications (Item 6):
  • Update on Harbor Bay Landing shopping center: SB 330 pre‑application withdrawn; applicant continuing discussions with Safeway and landowner.
  • Commercial zoning review for Park and Webster: Staff seeking two planning board volunteers for a working group to address storefront vacancies; kickoff planned for January 2026.
  • Acknowledgement of the successful site tour of Alameda Point led by base redevelopment staff.

Key Outcomes

• Item 5a (West Midway Phase A): Motion to adopt the draft resolution approving the design review and vesting tentative map and recommending city council approval of street names passed 4‑0 (one absent: board member Ruiz).
• Item 5b (Tree Removal Plan): Motion to recommend approval of the tree removal and replanting plan passed 4‑0 (one absent).
• Staff Communications: Board members volunteered for the commercial zoning working group (Board Members Hom and Sahiba). Staff will return with further details in January.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:45 p.m.