Title
Recommendation to Approve the Attached Resolution and Conditions Approving the Revised “Neptune Beach Roller Coaster” Public Art Proposal for Subpar Miniature Golf at 1600 Park Street
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Public Art Commission
BACKGROUND
Alameda Municipal Code Section 30-98 Public Art in New Commercial, Industrial, Residential and Municipal Construction (Ordinance) requires that major development projects dedicate 1% of development costs to onsite public art. In 2014, a new Walgreens was developed at 1600 Park Street costing approximately $1.91M. To fulfill the public art obligation under the Ordinance of $19,092, the project elected to provide, and the Public Art Commission approved, onsite public art in the form of digital murals depicting Alameda within the context of its historical railway system.
The current project sponsor, Subpar Miniature Golf, is interested in replacing the existing onsite artwork. Under the Ordinance, should the property owner wish to remove the existing public art, it must be replaced with public art of equal or greater value. Adjusted for inflation ($2022), the public art obligation would be approximately $22,484.
On April 18, 2022, the Public Art Commission (PAC) considered the artwork proposed for 1600 Park Street by artist Jon Altemus entitled "Neptune Beach Roller Coaster". The PAC expressed concerns about the visibility of the artwork and requested that the applicant revise the proposed onsite artwork to include lighting and/or additional signage.
At tonight’s meeting, the PAC will consider the revised proposal for onsite artwork for 1600 Park Street. The artwork remains a scale model/artist’s interpretation of the original roller coaster at the amusement park that operated at Neptune Beach from 1917-1939. While the proposed artwork would still be located in a display case adjacent to a large window visible from Park Street, the revised artwork would be illuminated by lighting inside the display case in order to better draw attention to the artwork and to make it visible at night. In addition, the revised proposed artwork would include a large replica of the Neptune Beach entry sign affixed to the inside of the window above the display and the window adjacent to the display would include a vinyl panel with information about the amusement park and the roller coasters themselves. Lastly, the display case will also include some small information tags within it identifying the attractions depicted (Exhibit 2). The value of the proposed installation is estimated to be approximately $23,000, which satisfies the project's public art obligation.
DISCUSSION
The PAC is responsible for reviewing and approving public art proposals to ensure compliance with the following program criteria established by the Public Art Ordinance:
The artist has demonstrated qualifications to complete the proposed onsite artwork with the highest professional standards.
Staff comments: Staff finds that Mr. Altemus’ resume and examples of previous work demonstrate the experience and qualifications required to complete the proposed artwork to the highest professional standards.
There is sufficient public visibility and accessibility to the onsite artwork, and the proposed onsite artwork is compatible with and harmonious with the development project and surrounding environment.
Staff comments: The proposed artwork would be located in a display case located in a window fronting Park Street. This location would provide ample visibility for passing pedestrians and bicyclists. The display case itself would be illuminated by interior lighting in order to better draw attention to the artwork and to make it visible at night. In addition, the revised proposed artwork would include a large replica of the Neptune Beach entry sign affixed to the inside of the window above the display and the window adjacent to the display would include a vinyl panel with information about the amusement park and the roller coasters themselves. Installation of the artwork will comply with all Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
The proposed onsite artwork is durable and cost-effective to maintain using ordinary methods of maintenance.
Staff comments: The proposed artwork would be easy to maintain and durable. The sculpture would be protected from the elements and from people handling it by an acrylic box located indoors. The acrylic box will also serve as protection from errant miniature golf balls, which will probably periodically hit the box.
The budget for the proposed onsite artwork and any in-lieu fees proposed by the applicant is equivalent to or exceeds the required program allocation.
Staff comments: The budget for the proposed artwork ($23,000) would satisfy the project’s public art requirement, which is based on the estimated value of the site’s existing artwork, adjusted for inflation.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the attached resolution and conditions approving the revised “Neptune Beach Roller Coaster” public art proposal.
Respectfully submitted,
Lois Butler, Economic Development Manager
By,
Walker Toma, Development Manager
Exhibits:
1. Neptune Beach Roller Coaster Public Art Application
2. Revised Application Materials