Title
PLN20-0017 - Block 11 Landscape Plan - Alameda Point Site A - Applicant: Alameda Point Partners. Public Hearing to consider the proposed landscape plan for Block 11 at Alameda Point Site A. The landscape plan follows final Planning Board approval of Design Review for the Block 11 building architecture on December 9, 2019. Approval of the landscape plan for the Block 11 is not subject to CEQA under McCorkle Eastside Neighborhood Group v. City of St. Helena (2018) 31 Cal.App.5th 80, which found that design review for by-right projects is a ministerial decision under Public Resources Code section 21080.
Body
To: Honorable President and
Members of the Planning Board
From: Allen Tai, City Planner
Date: January 27, 2020
BACKGROUND
On December 9, 2019, the Planning Board held a public hearing and approved Design Review amendments to previously-approved architectural plans for Block 11 at Alameda Point Site A. The staff report and exhibits are available online at: <https://alameda.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4265872&GUID=5D4FBCF6-E582-421D-8F3F-303EC9B0D3FB>
Because the architectural modifications to the Block 11 building resulted in larger landscape areas around the site, primarily on the north and east elevations, the Planning Board requested separate review and approval of the site landscaping plan. The Planning Board also requested clarification on the approval status for the Shared Plaza that is located in front of the retail spaces on the south side of Block 11.
Alameda Municipal Code Section 30-58 contains the citywide landscape requirements. The requirements were last amended in 2016 to comply with the statewide Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO). Alameda adopted the state WELO standard combined with Bay-Friendly landscape guidelines to provide flexibility in creative landscape solutions while ensuring maximum efficiency in water usage. The applicant has submitted a landscape plan for Block 11, prepared by landscape architecture firm Fletcher Studios, and is requesting the Planning Board review and approve the plan. (Exhibit 1)
DISCUSSION
As described in the December 9, 2019 staff report, the Design Review amendments to Block 11 included a reduction of the overall building size and changes to the design of the stormwater treatment system. The reduction in building footprint resulted in landscape area gains of approximately 50 feet on the north side and 20 feet on the east side. The larger landscape areas also function as bio-swales for stormwater treatment. No site landscaping is on the south side of the building, which faces the Shared Plaza. The Shared Plaza design details have already been approved by the Planning Board as further described below.
The proposed landscape plan includes two types of small trees and a variety of shrubs. The plant selection was based on serving a combination of needs. First, the plants were selected according to suitability for use in public spaces as they appear between the building edges and the public sidewalks. These plants were chosen based on durability, color, and overall visual interest. For example, the north and east sides of the building feature blank walls articulated with vine planting. The proposed vines include the Evergreen Clematis and Purple Tiger Passion Vine, which are species known for expansive growth appropriate to cover the large wall sections. Second, the plant palette is tailored to the use of the planting area as bio-swales for stormwater treatment. Some plants are considered “medium water-use” which are specifically selected for their tolerance of a larger volume of water during the wet season. Overall, the plan contains approximately 30% native plants and 60% drought-tolerant plants, consistent with Bay-Friendly Landscape Guidelines. Finally, the landscape plan complies with the California Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO), and is designed for maximizing efficiency in water usage. The landscape areas are located on Block 11 private property and would be maintained by the future Block 11 homeowners association.
The proposed landscaping plan was also reviewed by project engineers to ensure that the design minimizes runoff, promotes surface infiltration, and minimizes the use of fertilizers and pesticides. These requirements aid in minimizing stormwater pollution consistent with the Alameda Point Master Infrastructure Plan, the Site A Stormwater Management Plan, and the City’s Clean Water Program requirements.
Shared Plaza Approvals
The Shared Plaza located on the south side of the Block 11 was originally approved in March 2016 as part of Design Review approval for the overall Block 11 project. The Planning Board further approved landscaping and site furnishings for the Shared Plaza in July 2016. The July 2016 review was considered together with design plans for the entire Site A West Atlantic Avenue extension. Staff also compared the recent Design Review amendments for Block 11 to the approved Shared Plaza design. Final placement of small, portable potted plants will align with retail entrances, and otherwise there are no impacts to the approved Shared Plaza design. The West Atlantic Avenue extension and the Shared Plaza is currently under construction per the 2016 approved plans.
Conclusion
Overall, the proposed landscape plan for Block 11 is appropriate for the site, incorporating plant species compatible with the intended areas and uses.
PUBLIC NOTICE
This project was advertised in the Alameda Sun newspaper on January 17, 2020 and mailed to all property owners within 300 feet of Site A. To date, no comments have been received on the landscape plan. Any written comments received will be distributed at the Planning Board hearing.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Approval of the landscape plan for the Block 11 is not subject to CEQA under McCorkle Eastside Neighborhood Group v. City of St. Helena (2018) 31 Cal.App.5th 80, which found that design review for by-right projects is a ministerial decision under Public Resources Code section 21080.
RECOMMENDATION
Hold a public hearing to consider approval of Design Review for the landscape plan for Block 11 at Alameda Point Site A.
Reviewed By,
Andrew Thomas, Planning, Building and Transportation Director
Exhibits:
1. Block 11 Landscape Plan
2. Draft Resolution