Title
Review and Recommend the Alameda Community Learning Center Schools (CLCS) Improvement and Use of Woodstock Park Art Studio
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Park Commission
From: Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Re: Review and Recommend the Alameda Community Learning Center Schools (CLCS) Improvement and Use of Woodstock Park Art Studio
BACKGROUND
The small recreation building (Building) at Woodstock Park that is located adjacent to the recreation center, is approximately 900 square feet with a small enclosed patio. It was previously used as a pottery studio but has not been in use for at least 15 years. The Alameda Community Learning Center Schools (CLCS) approached Alameda Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) staff with a proposal to improve the art studio so it can be used as a maker space for students.
CLCS is a non-profit organization managing two charter schools, Nea and ACLC, located adjacent to Woodstock Park.
DISCUSSION
Proposed is an 11-month lease agreement to utilize the Building for the 2021-2022 school year. It is a trial period and if successful, a longer term lease agreement will be brought to City Council for approval. Nea plans to use the Building for an art and maker space for students in 6th through 8th grades. The space would be utilized for student elective classes in maker projects, art and robotics. These elective courses will provide students with an opportunity to create art and innovate as a part of Nea’s project-based curriculum. The classes would be taught and supervised by a qualified teacher and offered each semester beginning the first week of August through June.
As part of the lease agreement, CLCS will be required to make the following repairs to the Building:
• Roof repair and replacement
• Landscaping (back yard area)
• Painting
• Deep clean
• Fence repair
• Electrical repair, as needed
CLCS will also be required to hire a qualified insured and bonded contractor to confirm that the electrical system conforms to California Building Code. The roof and any electrical repairs will require a City of Alameda permit.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The lease agreement requires rent in the amount of $750 per month which will be offset by the tenant improvements paid by CLCS and estimated in the amount of $15,000. This equates to 20 months of waived rent, which is longer than the term of the lease agreement. Therefore, the City will not receive any revenue from this agreement, however the building will be improved to a usable condition and will serve Nea students.
RECOMMENDATION
The Alameda Community Learning Center Schools (CLCS) improvement and use of the Woodstock Park art studio.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Exhibits:
1. Location and Photos