Title
PLN24-0059 - 2401 Monarch Street - Use Permit & Design Review - Applicant: Gregor Cadman for Natel Energy. A public hearing to consider a Use Permit to allow outdoor research and development, and outdoor storage. The project also consists of Design Review for an approximately twenty-five foot tall, 5,500 square foot hydraulic test facility on the north side of Building 23 at 2401 Monarch Street. This project qualifies for a Class 32 Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15332 - infill development. No additional environmental review is necessary.
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To: Honorable President and Members of the Planning Board
From: Steven Buckley, Planning Services Manager and Secretary to the Board
BACKGROUND
Natel Energy is an innovative clean tech company that designs fish-safe hydraulic turbines. Hydro power provides stable, on-demand, emissions-free electricity, including more than half of Alameda's power needs. Natel develops high-performance fish-safe hydro turbines that protect migratory fish. Natel was one of the first clean technology companies to locate at Alameda Point, sharing space with Makani Power (wind) and leasing Building 400A before leasing its current site, Building 23, at 2401 Monarch Street in 2015. Prior to Natel, the site was used for storing and staging of shipping containers and truck trailers. Natel's investors purchased the property in 2018, providing a permanent home and allowing investment in the company and the building itself. Building 23 is a contributing structure to the NAS Alameda Historic District. 2401 Monarch Street is in the AP-AR, Alameda Point - Adaptive Reuse Zoning District and is classified as Mixed-Use in the General Plan. The proposed project does not modify or alter any character defining elements of the historic building and therefore the project does not require review or approval by the Historical Advisory Board.
As Natel grew and its hydro turbine products developed, it has increased the use of the outdo...
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