Title
Public Art Proposal - PLN13-0380 - 1551 Buena Vista Avenue - Applicant: Lennar. Public hearing to consider Native American-themed public art sculptures, consisting of three humanoid figures dressed in Ohlone ceremonial attire and three tule balsa rafts, all made of recycled and corten steel, at the new Marina Shores residential development at Entrance Road and Buena Vista Avenue. This project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures.
Body
CITY OF ALAMEDA
Memorandum
To: President Henneberry and
Members of the Planning Board
From: Allen Tai,
Secretary to the Public Art Commission
Date: May 11, 2015
RE: Public Art Proposal - PLN13-0380 - 1551 Buena Vista Avenue - Applicant: Lennar. Public hearing to consider Native American-themed public art sculptures, consisting of three humanoid figures dressed in Ohlone ceremonial attire and three tule balsa rafts, all made of recycled and corten steel, at the new Marina Shores residential development at Entrance Road and Buena Vista Avenue. This project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures.
BACKGROUND
The Public Art Commission (PAC) is responsible for approving public art proposals for development projects that qualify under the Public Art Ordinance (Alameda Municipal Code Section 30-65). Per the Public Art Ordinance, a public art proposal must be approved prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the development project.
Recent PAC meetings have had to be rescheduled or cancelled due to lack of quorum. This is partly attributed to two vacancies on the five-member commission, where a quorum requires the presence of at least three members at PAC meetings. The City Clerk is currently working with the Mayor and Councilmembers to fill vacancies on the PAC with terms beginning July 1, 2015. However, this schedule does not meet the applicant's goal of obtaining certificates of occupancy for new model homes, currently under construction, in May.
Pursuant to City Council authorization in 2011, the Planning Board may review and approve public art proposals in the absence of a PAC quorum. Under this authorization, the Planning Board reviewed and approved public art for the Grand Marina residential development in 2012. Staff is requesting that the Planning Board consider the public art proposal for the Marina Shores development in order to allow issuance of certificates of occupancy on the new model homes.
PROPOSAL SUMMARY
The proposed art consists of three life-sized humanoid sculptures and three tule balsa rafts, all made of recycled metals and corten steel. The humanoid sculptures will be depicted as Ohlone people dressed in ceremonial attire, and positioned as if they are preparing for a hunt. These pieces will each stand atop a pedestal and installed at the corner of Entrance Road and Buena Vista Avenue. The tule rafts will be incorporated into the project landscaping to depict an impression they are emerging from the landscape and rowing through the water. The rafts will be installed in three separate locations on Clement Avenue, Entrance Road and Buena Vista Avenue. If approved, staff will work with the applicant during the building permit process to verify the exact locations for the sculptures so they do not interfere with other planned infrastructure.
DISCUSSION
Art Budget:
Pursuant to the Public Art Ordinance, private and municipal developments with building development costs of $250,000 or more must devote an amount not less than one percent of such costs for public art on the development site, capped at a maximum of $150,000. New building construction costs at Marina Shores are estimated to be over $15 million, so its obligation is the maximum cap. The artist's proposed budget for the art installation matches the $150,000 obligation with a contingency (Exhibit 2). Upon completion of the art installation, the applicant is required to provide final receipts and verification of the expenditures, with any shortfall reconciled by paying into to the Public Art Fund.
Program Criteria:
As the acting public board reviewing and approving public art proposals, the Planning Board must ensure that the proposed art project complies with the following program criteria, in bold, established by the Public Art Ordinance, as follows:
Inherent Artistic Quality - The artistic or conceptual merit of the public art proposals, independent of other considerations. Based upon a review of the application, staff finds that the proposal exhibits inherent artistic quality and is consistent with the objectives and goals of the public art ordinance.
Context - Works of art must be compatible in scale, material, form and content with its surroundings. Consideration should be given to the architectural, historical, geographical and social/cultural context of the site. The proposed public art concept is inspired by local Native American history. The theme is appropriate given the context established by Planning Board's approval to name new streets at Marina Shores as Balsa and Sakas, which are Native American words for tule rafts. The proposed art is also unique and different from the art proposals in recent years, which have been predominantly portrayals of Alameda's modern history. The sculptures of tule rafts also fit within the context of its location near the waterfront. Furthermore, the placement of the sculptures near Entrance Road anticipates both future pedestrian and automobile traffic along Buena Vista Avenue and the extension of Clement Avenue, which would enhance the streetscape. Staff finds the proposal well-conceived and consistent with the surrounding environment.
Media - All forms of public art may be considered. Works may be either portable or permanently attached. Staff finds that the high quality, recycled metal and corten steel pieces are appropriate and consistent with the intent of the public art ordinance criteria. Given that the development project is a residential development, the expression of art in the form of permanent sculptures is fitting. The proposed concept and placement of the art also relate to the physical environment and maximize public enjoyment.
Permanence - Due consideration shall be given to the structural and surface soundness, and to inherent resistance to theft, vandalism and weathering. The use of durable metals in the sculptures is intended for long-term durability. The recycled metals and corten steel can be easily cleaned using paint thinners, a non-alkaline stripper or wooden scrapers. The mesh-woven composition of the sculptures also deters graffiti. The installation's placement along the public right-of-way allows for easy maintenance.
Ability to Maintain - Significant consideration shall be given to the cost of on-going maintenance and repair anticipated, and the applicant's ability to provide adequate maintenance. The proposed artwork will be maintained and protected by the Marina Shores Community Association, as required by the conditions of approval. The recycled metals and corten steel are extremely durable, resistant to scratches, and require only minimal maintenance. If the artwork is vandalized with paint, it can easily be cleaned. Dirt and grime can be easily removed with laundry soap, a low-pressure wash and/or proprietary cleaning materials such as car wash.
Public Safety and Accessibility - Each work shall be evaluated to ensure that it does not present a hazard to public safety and complies with all applicable building codes and accessibility requirements. As proposed, the project will not present a hazard to public safety. Installation of the artwork will require issuance of building permits, and the building permit plan check process will ensure that the final construction details of the project will comply with all codes and safety regulations.
Diversity - The City is committed to acquiring public art that reflects its diverse cultural communities and perspectives. Innovative work as well as established art forms shall be encouraged. The diverse interests of the art project are reflected in its Native American theme and the historic Ohlone settlements in Alameda and the greater East Bay region. The artist, Jennifer (Johnson) Riley, also focuses on art representing the human form and diverse topics and backgrounds (Exhibit 3). The proposed sculptures represent an established art form.
Feasibility - Proposed works shall be evaluated for feasibility and factors to be considered include, but are not limited to: project budget, timeline, artist's experience, soundness of materials, City approval requirements, and level of community support. The project is feasible and achievable within the project timeline to be completed prior to occupancy of the last residential unit. Staff anticipates the public art to be well-received by the community because it will reinforce the local street names Balsa and Sakas, as well as highlight Native American history in Alameda. The tule raft sculptures also relate well to the project's proximity to the waterfront.
Duplication - To assure that the public art is a fine art product, the artist will be asked to warrant that the work is unique. Staff finds that the proposed artwork is unique and qualifies as a fine art product. While similar art forms depicting Ohlone people and tule rafts may exist, the final sculptures will be individually-made unique works of art.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This public art installation is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Property owners and residents within 300 feet of the project's boundaries were notified of the public hearing and given the opportunity to review and comment on the proposal.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the attached draft Resolution and conditions approving the Marina Shores project public art proposal PLN13-0380 (Exhibit 4).
Respectfully Submitted,
Allen Tai
Secretary to the Public Art Commission
Exhibits:
1. Public Art Submittal
2. Art Budget
3. Artist's Portfolio
4. Draft Resolution