Title
PLN19-0556 - Phase I Waterfront Park Design Review Amendment - Alameda Point Site A - Applicant: Alameda Point Partners. Public hearing to consider whether the planting of palm trees in the Waterfront Park. The environmental effects of the proposed project were considered and disclosed in the Alameda Point Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse #2013012043). No further environmental review is required. (Continued from February 24, 2020)
Body
To: Honorable President and
Members of the Planning Board
From: Allen Tai, City Planner
Date: March 9, 2020
BACKGROUND
On February 24, 2020, the Planning Board held a public hearing and approved the Design Review amendments to previously-approved plans for Phase I of the Waterfront Park at Alameda Point Site A. However, the six members of the Board that were split on the decision whether to keep palm trees at the park. After approving the remainder of proposed amendments, the Board continued the item to the March 9th meeting in order to have the presence of a full Board weigh in on whether the six Hybrid Fan Palms was appropriate at the center of the park.
DISCUSSION
The original plans for Phase I of the Waterfront Park included a large number of palm trees. The amendments to the park design substituted all but six of the palm trees with shade trees. Keeping six palms at the center of the site was intended by the applicant to provide a focal point to future public art sculpture at this location. The palm trees were also intended to contribute toward a desired urban or civic presence to the park. The Planning Board should also be aware that palms are a key feature of the approved Site A streetscape design along West Atlantic Avenue. The proposed six palms at the park would be consistent with the approved West Atlantic plan (https://alameda.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2782557&GUID=D5B5BEE6-DCFD-492A-971F-A1D34817AB44&FullText=1).
In recent years, with compo...
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