Title
Presentation of Phase 0 of the Alameda Point Town Center and Waterfront Precise Plan. No action will be taken
Body
CITY OF ALAMEDA
Memorandum
To: Honorable President and
Members of the Planning Board
From: Nanette Mocanu
Acting Assistant Community Development Director
Date: April 14, 2014
Re: Phase 0 of the Town Center and Waterfront Precise Plan
Background
The Town Center and Waterfront Precise Plan for Alameda Point identified several guiding principles as part of its vision. Those principles include:
· Strengthening Existing Assets/Character;
· Designing for Strategic Implementation;
· Cultivating a Sustainable Neighborhood;
· Highlighting the Waterfront Experience; and
· Creating a Unique Destination.
The "Phase 0" concept grew out of identifying easy first steps that could occur at Alameda Point to transition from interim leasing and adaptive reuse to full-blown development. Phase 0 helps create a social heart that will attract people and encourage investment which is critical to the success of creating a "town center."
This report is for information only and no action is requires.
DISCUSSION
As stated in the Plan, Phase 0 is "the place to be before there is a place to be." The implementation section of the Precise Plan recommends that the special event programming inventory and incorporate many of the existing tenants and events currently active within Alameda Point, and construct a sense of "place around those things."
Staff has been actively working on many activities and hopes to bring you monthly written/oral communication on these efforts. The Plan listed:
1. Small Batch Village - a very quick interim town center.
Staff is working with the Pop-Up provider who helped construct the America's Cup village in San Francisco. Currently, staff and the provider are studying the feasibility of installing temporary retail and entertainment spaces along the Seaplane Lagoon waterfront.
2. The Lagoon - new activity or facility on the water.
Staff has scheduled a summer canoe regatta in the Seaplane lagoon for June and is working on securing a kayaking vendor. In addition, staff is exploring converting current ramps into the Seaplane Lagoon into public access ramps for sailing.
3. Large Art.
4. Camp Grounds - ready and willing customers already in place.
Because of size and security issues at Alameda Point, urban camping needs further investigation and perhaps private operators who can ensure patrons adhere to rules and regulations. Staff has been exploring several proposals with the Recreation and Parks Department.
5. The Festival - get 'thinkers' to germinate THE annual event.
The logical annual event for Alameda Point seems to be the Fourth of July. The City has the Mayor's Parade and AC Hornet will have its festivities. The middle part of the day seems ripe for some sort of activity at Alameda Point. Staff is working to determine how to make something happen in a very short period of time. Currently Staff is working with an entertainment company that sponsors fairs and special events throughout California.
6. Other Ideas:
· Staff is meeting with a local promoter to discuss developing a Summer Concert Series.
· Staff is working with a group to provide a Pop-Up Drive/Bike-In Theater.
· Staff is hoping to have a Food and Beverage Fair featuring the existing Alameda Point tenants who are in the food and beverage industry, accompanied by a food trucks.
· Building on the current artisans and Makers already present, staff hopes to offer a Maker's Fair.
· Currently there are several recreational programs being considered, including creating a large chalk art installation on the runways.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The City of Alameda completed and certified an Environmental Impact Report for the redevelopment of Alameda Point. No further environmental review is required for this presentation.
PUBLIC NOTICE AND COMMENTS
Staff placed an advertisement in the newspaper notifying the public of this meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
This report is for information only and no action is required
Respectfully submitted,
Nanette Mocanu
Acting Assistant Community Development Director