Title
Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Resolution Upholding the Planning Board Decision to Approve Design Review and Use Permit Application PLN15-0198 for the Construction of a Five-Building Mixed Use Development Constructed with Shipping Containers with Ground Floor Offices and Outdoor Seating at 1926 Park Street. (Community Development 481005)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Elizabeth D. Warmerdam, Interim City Manager
Re: Public Hearing to Adopt a Resolution Upholding the Planning Board’s Approval of Design Review and Use Permit Application PLN15-0198 at 1926 Park Street
BACKGROUND
On July 27, 2015, September 14, 2015, and October 26, 2015, the Planning Board held public hearings to consider a Design Review and Use Permit application to construct an approximately 4,200-square-foot, mixed use complex using repurposed shipping containers. Four small buildings provide incubator office space, and the building on the corner of Park Street and Blanding Avenue includes a retail/café space on the ground floor and a single residential unit on the second floor. On October 26, 2015, the Planning Board approved the project on a 6-1-0 vote.
On November 3, 2015, Councilmember Tony Daysog informed City staff that he was calling the Planning Board decision for review. Councilmember Daysog does not identify any problems or concerns with the Planning Board's decision to approve the project, he simply wants the City Council to hold a public hearing to review the approval. Councilmember Daysog's Call for Review is attached as Exhibit 1. The approved plans are attached as Exhibit 2.
DISCUSSION
As described in the attached Planning Board staff report (Exhibit 3), the project complies with all applicable zoning regulations and is consistent with the City’s Design Review Manual. Staff recommended that the Planning Board approve the proposed project on October 26th, and staff recommends that the City Council uphold the Planning Board's approval.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact from taking action on PLN15-0198. Approval of the proposed project as recommended will result in an increase in property taxes and sales taxes received by the City.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
The proposed project is consistent with the City of Alameda General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines Section 15332, In-Fill Development Projects, based on the findings made by the Planning Board (Exhibit 3).
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution to uphold the Planning Board’s approval of Design Review and Use Permit application PLN15-0198.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Potter, Community Development Director
By,
Andrew Thomas, Assistant Community Development Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Elena Adair, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. Call for Review by Councilmember Tony Daysog
2. 1926 Park Plan Set
3. October 26, 2015 Planning Board Staff Report