Alameda Planning Board Meeting - May 26, 2026

The Alameda Planning Board met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The board approved the consent calendar and a master plan amendment for the Alameda Marina Clement Avenue project, allowing the final phase (the Foundry) to proceed with reduced affordable housing requirements in line with a pending ordinance change. Public comments included one non-agendized speaker and a presentation from the developer.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-Agendized Public Comment: Zach Thayer spoke on an off-topic matter, referencing various codes and military operations. The content was not related to any agenda item.
• Developer Presentation: Sean Murphy (Pacific Development) spoke in support of the master plan amendment. He stated that the Foundry project is shovel-ready, with a building permit in the fourth round of plan checks, and that construction is targeted to begin in July 2026. He emphasized the urgency due to rising construction costs and noted that the project will deliver 21 very low-income units (50% AMI) using option three of the new inclusionary housing framework.

Consent Calendar

• Items 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D were approved unanimously. Item 4A was the final annual report for a completed development agreement. Item 4B and 4C were not specified in the transcript, and 4D was the draft meeting minutes from May 11, 2026. The board passed a single motion to approve the full consent calendar with all present members voting aye; Board Member Ruiz was absent.

Discussion Items

• Item 5A: Master Plan Amendment for Clement Avenue (Alameda Marina)
  • Staff (Tristan) presented the request to amend the Alameda Marina Master Plan to apply the city's proposed inclusionary housing ordinance amendments to the third and final phase of the project (the Foundry, 259 rental units). The amendment would reduce the number of deed-restricted affordable housing units from 218 to 259 (as stated in the transcript; note: this appears to be a misstatement—the context suggests a reduction, but the numbers given imply an increase. The developer later clarified the new requirement yields 21 very low-income units).
  • Board members asked about building permit status, timeline, and the process for marketing affordable units. Staff confirmed the building permit is in its fourth review round; the developer expects to start construction in July 2026 pending city council approval of the ordinance.
  • The board voted unanimously to approve the master plan amendment, conditioned on the city council's second reading and adoption of the inclusionary housing ordinance amendments.

Staff Communications

• Staff reported recent activities: two zoning administrator hearings for reuse of vacant buildings (Webster and Lincoln) and five residential remodel approvals. Upcoming items include the second reading of the inclusionary ordinance, a workshop on the Main Street Specific Plan, and code updates for ADUs, short-term rentals, and commercial zoning.

Board Communications

• Board Member Cisneros announced the passing of Christopher Buckley, a local resident, city planner, preservationist, and tree advocate, on May 12, 2026. His funeral will be held on June 13, 2026, in Oakland.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar Approved: Items 4A-4D approved unanimously (all present aye, one absent).
• Master Plan Amendment Approved: Motion to approve Item 5A (Clement Avenue project) passed with all present aye (Board Member Ruiz absent). Approval is contingent on the city council's final adoption of the inclusionary housing ordinance amendments in June 2026.
• Next Steps: The developer will submit a revised affordable housing plan showing unit locations. The city council will have a second reading of the ordinance next week, with a 30-day effective period.