Title
Adoption of Resolution Approving Tentative Map No. 8532 for the Subdivision of Six Lots on 20.1 Acres for the Second Phase of the Site A Development Plan at Alameda Point for Residential, Commercial and Public Parking. (Planning, Building and Transportation 481005)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On October 14, 2019, the Planning Board held a public hearing and unanimously approved a resolution recommending that the City Council approve Tentative Map No. 8532 for the proposed subdivision of six lots on 20.1 acres within the second phase of the Site A Development Plan at Alameda Point. There were no speakers in opposition to the project at the public hearing. Staff and the Planning Board now recommend City Council approval of the Tentative Map for the project (Exhibit 1).
BACKGROUND
“Site A” refers to an approved 68 acre, mixed use development plan at Alameda Point. The Site A Development Plan was approved as a three (3) phased project. The first phase of the project is under construction.
In 2014, the City Council approved the Alameda Point Master Infrastructure Plan, Environmental Impact Report, General Plan Amendment, Transportation Demand Management Plan, and the Town Center Specific Plan. In 2015, the City Council approved the Site A Development Plan for a 68-acre area within Alameda Point that extends generally from the Main Street entrance to Alameda Point to the Seaplane Lagoon and the eastern edge of the Naval Air Station Alameda Historic District (Historic District). The Site A Development Plan included a density bonus application that requested a waiver of Measure A (the City Charter prohibition on multifamily housing), which the City does not have authority to deny under state law. With the waiver of Measure A, the project does not conflict with the Charter prohibition on multifamily housing. In 2016, the Planning Board approved the Tentative Map for the first Phase of the Project. The Planning Board also approved the Design Review plans for the first five blocks in Phase 1 and the first phase of the Waterfront Park.
In 2017, the Planning Board approved an amendment to the Site A Development Plan to move residential units originally planned for Phase 3 to Phase 2 of the project. The Planning Board also approved the Design Review plans for the sixth block in Phase 1 and the Neighborhood Park in Phase I.
In 2018, the Planning Board approved Design Review for the Seaplane Lagoon Ferry terminal.
DISCUSSION
The project applicant, Alameda Point Partners, LLC, is now ready to finalize the planning and subdivision plans for the second phase of the project. Tentative Map No. 8532 (Exhibit 1) for Site A Phase 2 creates six (6) lots, which will support three blocks of residential development (Lots 1, 2 and 3), two blocks of commercial development (Lots 4 and 5), and one block for public parking (Lot 6).
The Tentative Map is consistent with the General Plan, Alameda Point Zoning District, Town Center Plan, Master Infrastructure Plan, and the Site A Development Plan; and it is necessary to implement the Site A Development Plan and Disposition (DDA) and Development Agreement (DA), which includes provision of significant park, utility and transportation infrastructure, affordable housing, retail and commercial development at Alameda Point.
The Tentative Map also establishes the rights-of-way for the public streets, based upon the requirements of the development plan, the Town Center Specific Plan, and the Alameda Point Master Infrastructure Plan. The Tentative Map provides for the extension of Pan Am Way, Orion Street, Coronado Street and Skylark Street right-of-ways consistent with the street sections approved as part of the Phase 1 Tentative Map; reconstruction of West Tower Avenue as a local street with sidewalks, street parking, bike lanes, and travel lanes in each direction; and reconstruction of Main Street to provide for the twelve-foot wide separated two-way cycle track and buffered running path.
Lot 6 is planned for a public parking lot. The applicant and staff plan to process a future Lot Line Adjustment between Lot 6 (Block 14) and the adjacent Block 11 to increase the size of Lot 6 so that there will be adequate 130 foot width to accommodate a future parking structure on the site, if needed in the future. (In the short term, Lot 6 will be developed as a surface parking lot.)
ALTERNATIVES
The Council may:
1. Approve the Tentative Map, as recommended.
2. Modify the conditions of approval and approve the Tentative Map.
3. Remand the project recommendation back to the Planning Board for further consideration on any specific aspect of the design.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no impact on the General Fund to approve the tentative map. The residential project is subject to a Municipal Services District to ensure fiscal neutrality.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
As described above, the recommended tentative map for Site A Phase 2 is consistent with the General Plan, the Zoning Ordinance, the Town Center and Waterfront Master Plan, and Site A Development Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
On February 4, 2014, the City Council certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Alameda Point Project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (State Clearing House #201312043). The Final EIR evaluated the environmental impacts of redevelopment and reuse of the lands at Alameda Point consistent with the Town Center Plan, which included Site A. The potential environmental impacts of this action have been evaluated and disclosed in the Final EIR, and none of the circumstances necessitating further environmental review are present.
CLIMATE IMPACTS
The project will contribute to the City of Alameda’s (City) Climate Action Plan goals to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions, increase quality of life on the island, and adapt to climate change impacts. The project supports alternative transportation by providing BART shuttle service, water shuttle service across the estuary, and a number of bicycle path improvements. In addition, the new commercial building will provide local services within walking distance for the nearby park visitors and residents.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution approving Tentative Map No. 8532 to allow the subdivision of 20.1 acres into six lots for the Site A Phase 2 development at Alameda Point.
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends approval.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew Thomas, Planning, Building, & Transportation Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Elena Adair, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Tentative Map
cc: Eric Levitt, City Manager