Title
PLN19-0556 -- Design Review Amendment -- PLN19-0556 - Site A Block 11 at West Atlantic Avenue and Pan Am Way -- Applicant: UDR, Inc. A Public Hearing to consider amendments to the previously-approved Design Review applications for Block 11 at Site A. This action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act under McCorkle Eastside Neighborhood Group v. City of St. Helena (2018) 31 Cal.App.5th 80. As a separate and independent basis, 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.
Body
To: Honorable President and
Members of the Planning Board
From: Andrew Thomas, Planning Director
Date: January 24, 2022
BACKGROUND
In 2015, the City Council unanimously approved the Site A Development Plan and Development Agreement for a three phased development on 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.
In 2016, the Planning Board approved Design Review applications for a 220-unit residential building known as Block 11 and Phase I of Waterfront Park located along the Seaplane Lagoon.
On December 9, 2019, the Planning Board held a public hearing and adopted Resolution No. PB-19-26 approving a Design Review amendment to modify the approved designs in an effort to reduce escalating construction costs and long term maintenance costs for both the building and the park. Condition of Approval No. 2.a provides, “The Residential Lobby façade on the West Elevation (Sheet 14 “Current View 10-10-19”) shall be revised to include multi-lite “hangar” windows shown on the same sheet in the drawing labeled “Entitlements View 3-14-16”.”
The current owner and developer of the property, UDR, Inc. is requesting a minor amendment to the design of the windows on the ground floor on one side of the building. The requested revision to the design of the ground floor windows on one side of the building is shown in Exhibit 1. Staff is recommending approval of the change.
DISCUSSION
The building is currently going through the Building Permit plan check process. The property owner and applicant, UDR, Inc. hopes to begin construction this year. However, they would like to make a change to the window design for the ground floor of the west facing elevation. The proposed changes are illustrated in Exhibit 1.
The applicant provided the following rationale for the proposed change:
“Since its inception, Alameda Point Parcel 11 has been envisioned to include a retail frontage with large storefront windows in a similar vernacular to the hangar doors which are prevalent on the base. This expression is used at the retail areas of the project fronting Ferry Point Plaza, and provide a character to the retail portions of the building which is distinct from the residential character.
“Condition of Approval #2a stipulates that this same expression be used at the residential building entry fronting Pan Am Way. We believe the intent of this Condition is to continue some of this distinct character along the western façade of the building, however, the Condition specifically makes reference to using the “hangar” style windows at the Residential Lobby.
“In order to stay true to the design vision of the project we suggest using these “hangar” style windows at the fitness area along the western façade in lieu of the residential entry. This stems from our concern for mixing the design language between the residential and retail expressions, as it is important that the lobby not appear as though it is part of the retail space. From a use perspective the fitness area is more visually connected to the street and feels more public in nature. By locating the “hangar” style windows at fitness we accomplish the goal of providing this unique expression facing Pan Am Way, and having the “hangar” windows on multiple frontages, while also allowing the residential entry to read as residential. We’ve provided an illustration depicting how this would look and believe it is the right direction for the project.”
Staff supports the design change described above and shown in Exhibit 1, and recommends that the Planning Board delete Condition No. 2.a. in Planning Board Resolution No. PB-19-26 which reads as follows:
“2.a. The Residential Lobby façade on the West Elevation (Sheet 14 “Current View 10-10-19”) shall be revised to include multi-lite “hangar” windows shown on the same sheet in the drawing labeled “Entitlements View 3-14-16”. The doorway entrance to the lobby shall also be redesigned to match the appearance in the Entitlements View and relocated to the opposite (right) side.”
If the Planning Board approves the change by motion, staff will release its hold on the building permit.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act 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. As a separate and independent basis, on February 4, 2014, the City of Alameda certified the Alameda Point Final EIR in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 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. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15162 and 15163, none of the circumstances necessitating further CEQA review are present.
RECOMMENDATION
Hold a public hearing and approve by motion the proposed change to the design plans as shown in Exhibit 1, and revise Condition of Approval 2.a. as described above.
By,
Andrew Thomas, Planning, Building and Transportation Director
Exhibits:
1. Block 11 Design Review Modifications