Title
Approve Draft Meeting Minutes - March 5, 2026
Body
DRAFT MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY OF ALAMEDA HISTORICAL ADVISORY BOARD
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2025
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Hernandez and Board Members Bevan, Crotty and Brito.
Absent: None
2. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Tod Hickman, via Zoom, (*11:28) discussed his concerns about the importance of reviewing Certificate of Approvals and following CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) Guidelines. He believed the board was far from compliance.
3. MINUTES
None
4. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
4-A 2026-5733 - PLN24-0145 - Certificate of Approval - Radium Theatre Performing Arts Center Project - 2151 Ferry Point Way - Applicant: Scott Ward on behalf of Radium Presents, Inc. Public Hearing to consider a Certificate of Approval to construct an approximately 600-seat performing arts center and landscaped plaza on an approximately two-acre site of the Seaplane Lagoon Taxiway on the west side of Pan Am Way between the Naval Air Museum and the Seaplane Lagoon Promenade within the NAS Alameda Historic District and related offsite improvements. CEQA Determination: the project is subject to streamlined environmental review and a CEQA Checklist was prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 (Subsequent EIRs) and 15183 (Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning). No further environmental review is required.
Brian McGuire, Planner II, introduced the item and gave a presentation (*14:19). The Staff Report and attachments can be found:
<https://alameda.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7858428&GUID=549396E2-EF32-40BE-A074-063DB14C4C3C&FullText=1>.
Christopher Seiwald (applicant), founding member of Radium Presents, introduced (*31:55) the design team who gave a presentation. The Applicant’s presentation can be found with attachments to this item.
Public Comments for 4-A
Tod Hickman, via Zoom, (*59:49) wondered why no one follows CEAQ or the law. He felt this was a way to circumvent the law. He liked the project but said it did not follow CEQA guidelines.
Tara Pilbrow (*1:03:41) sits on the board for Radium and is a working artist, discussed the work she had done in Alameda. She felt that this project would be transformative to the arts in Alameda and in the East Bay. She added that the arts would and has breathed new life into Alameda Point. She urged the board to approve this Certificate of Approval.
Nick Winkworth (*1:05:56) discussed the history and potential of Alameda Point and that a project like this would drive people vibrancy to the area, that it would bring businesses in. He proudly supported the arts in Alameda, and this was a keystone project for that.
Ben Mickus (*1:07:53) architect and West End Resident and member of Radium Board. He discussed the change in design over the years and broke down where the public open space was. He went into detail how they were preserving the view corridors and history with these designs.
Shelby Sheehan (*1:10:50) believed that this design was not in line with the Secretary of Standards nor did in comply with CEQA guidelines. She also believed that this project violated the Public Trust. She demanded that this project not be at the point.
Action for Item 4-A
Board clarifying questions and discussion start the 1:14:06 minute mark in the video.
Chair Hernandez did have to pause the hearing (*1:32:51) to address multiple disruptions from the audience.
Board Member Bevan made a motion (*1:57:10) to approve the Certificate of Approval with the changes to the resolution addressing the view corridor. Board Member Crotty seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 4-0.
4-B 2026-5807 - Recent Local Adaptive Reuse Presentations: 500 Central Avenue (Improv Central) and 1200 Park Street (Park Station) (Discussion)
Claire Slattery, owner of Improv Central - 500 Central Ave, discussed (*1:58:36) what work she had done to the building. Presentation can be found here:
<https://alameda.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7927353&GUID=F9B74B84-2E7A-4CD7-B352-133C6C9619F8>.
Norman Sanchez, Architect for Park Station, discussed (*2:16:34) the history of the site and the project. Presentation can be found:
<https://alameda.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7927353&GUID=F9B74B84-2E7A-4CD7-B352-133C6C9619F8>.
Board discussion starts at the 2:33:34 minute mark.
Public Comment for Item 4-B
Ben Mickus (*2:34:35) discussed Improv Central and the great work Claire had done to the building and how it had changed the street in the best way possible. He loved the lighting of the building and could not say enough good things.
Action Taken for 4-B
This was a discussion item and no action was taken.
5. BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
None.
6. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
None
7. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 9:28 pm
*Minute mark in the video