Title
PLN24-0614 - 800 Atlantic Avenue - Applicant: City of Alameda Recreation & Parks Department - Public Workshop to discuss Design Review and Use Permit for the proposed Alameda Aquatic Center. The project is located at the western end of the Jean Sweeny Open Space Park near the intersection of Wilma Chan Way and Atlantic Avenue. CEQA Determination: The project is subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act. No final action on the environmental review, Design Review, or Use Permit will take place at this meeting.
Body
To: Honorable President and Members of the Planning Board
From: Steven Buckley, Planning Board Secretary
BACKGROUND
The project is located at the western end of the Jean Sweeny Open Space Park near the intersection of Wilma Chan Way and Atlantic Avenue (Exhibit 1). The property is designated as Public Parks & Open Space by the General Plan and located within the Open Space zoning district. The Open Space District requires Use Permit and Design Review approval by the Planning Board to construct the Aquatic Center buildings on the project site. A lot-line adjustment map has also been filed, which is approved by the Planning Director and City Engineer, and is required to reconfigure the parcel lines at this portion of the Jean Sweeny Park property.
Since late 2022, the City Council has taken several actions to advance the project, including site selection, funding options, design concepts, and contracting agreements. The project has undergone extensive community input, as well.
One December 9, 2024, the Planning Board held a workshop to review the initial design of the Aquatic Center. The applicant received feedback from the Planning Board and the public on the proposed project.
Since the December 2024 Planning Board meeting, the applicant has made modifications to the project design in order to meet the anticipated budget. The applicant has also made modifications to address comments received from the Planning Board during the previous workshop. The revised design can be found in the plan set and information provided in Exhibits 1 & 2. The proposed revisions to the initial project are summarized in detail in the Revision Summary attached as Exhibit 3.
This public workshop is being held to receive comments from the Planning Board and the public on the latest design concept for the Aquatic Center. The Planning Board will formally review the application at a future date.
DISCUSSION
The aquatic center design includes a 30-meter by 25-yard competition pool with 12 lanes and an activity pool with a zero-beach style entry and 3 lap lanes. The depth of the competition pool ranges from 3’-6” at the entrance steps increasing rapidly to a maximum depth of 7’-0. The activity pool includes a zero-beach style entrance with lap lanes at a depth of 3’-6”.
The pool configuration supports the following programming: adult swim lessons, private/semi-private lessons, group lessons, swim school, aqua camps, water polo, introduction to swim team and triathlon, lap swim, water walking, special events, aqua fitness, therapeutic lessons for people with disabilities, senior classes, family open swim, baby and me, toddler playtime, splish splash storytime, scuba lessons, evening lap swim, and kayak classes.
The design concept includes:
• Total parking for 197 vehicles, including 72 on site and 125 overflow spaces from the adjacent business park
• Three electric vehicles charging stations (AMP will potentially provide many more EV spaces)
• Bike parking/storage for 102 bikes at the entrance plaza
• Windscreen fencing
• Perimeter security fence
• Enclosed mechanical room
• Locker rooms for both genders
• Manager/Director’s office
• Multi-purpose room
• Spectator seating
• Breezeway entrance
• Fenced storage
• Garbage/recycling enclosure
• Public art at front façade and entry plaza
• Site lighting
• Solar panels over parking (pending AMP participation)
• Solar panels on roof (pending AMP participation)
• Solar panel shade structures (pending AMP participation)
The Planning Board will ultimately be asked to approve the Use Permit and Design Review for the project, accompanied by an environmental impact review analysis. The Open Space zoning does not have any development standards, i.e. the usual setback, height, coverage, and other parameters are undefined and at the Planning Board’s discretion.
In this workshop, the Board should consider the following factors relevant to making the necessary findings for approval (see Alameda Municipal Code sections 30-21.3 and 30-37) as set forth below.
Use Permit: To grant a Use Permit the following findings must be made:
1. The location of the proposed use is compatible with other land uses in the general neighborhood area, and the project design and size is architecturally, aesthetically, and operationally harmonious with the community and surrounding development.
2. The proposed use will be served by adequate transportation and service facilities including pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities.
3. The proposed use, if it complies with all conditions upon which approval is made contingent, will not adversely affect other property in the vicinity and will not have substantial deleterious effects on existing business districts or the local economy.
4. The proposed use relates favorably to the General Plan.
Design Review: To grant Design Review approval, the following findings must be made:
a. The proposed design is consistent with the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and the City of Alameda Design Review Manual.
b. The proposed design is appropriate for the site, is compatible with adjacent or neighboring buildings or surroundings, and promotes harmonious transitions in scale and character in areas between different designated land uses; and
c. The proposed design of the structure(s) and exterior materials and landscaping are visually compatible with the surrounding development, and design elements have been incorporated to ensure the compatibility of the structure with the character and uses of adjacent development.
The Design Review Manual does not address this type of use, so the Planning Board should focus on overall compatibility with the site and surroundings.
PUBLIC NOTICE AND COMMENTS
This workshop is not a public hearing, in that no decisions are being made, and there are no statutory requirements for public notice. Future public hearings on the project will include required mailings to property owners, newspaper ads and site postings.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Alameda Aquatic Center Design Review, Use Permit, and Lot-Line Adjustment Map applications are subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act. No final action on the environmental review or the applications will take place at this meeting. Staff is currently beginning the environmental review process in accordance with CEQA, which will be completed prior to the Planning Board’s formal action on the project.
CLIMATE IMPACT
This workshop to discuss the proposed aquatic center will not have a direct effect on climate change.
RECOMMENDATION
Hold a public workshop to discuss the proposed Alameda Aquatic Center project and provide feedback on the project.
Respectfully Submitted,
Steven Buckley, Secretary to the Planning Board
By,
Justin Long, Director of Recreation & Parks
Henry Dong, Planner III
Exhibits:
1. Revised Plans
2. Lighting and Window Brochures
3. Revision Summary from Recreation and Parks Department