3A Public Hearing 2009 0302 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2009 Agenda No. 09-02 Page 5 of 14 The Alameda as much as - or more than -those who live in The Alameda. As Mr. Baker had pointed out, this paseo is being designed wide enough to accommodate both bicycle and foot traffic, and parallels the community facilities' open space - to nearly double the width of that opening and make it a very generous, comfortable space. Having people in the community area will not only help animate this space, but also make itpedestrian-friendly. Ms. Pattillo pointed out that a variety of trees will be planted in a rhythmic pattern, rather than having a single species lining both sides of the street. The project's tree selection includes redwoods, deciduous, broadleaf, spring-flowering and fall-color varieties, including both California natives and other species that are well-adapted to San Leandro's climate. At the foundation of the building will be a 10-foot wide planting strip that also serves as a vegetated Swale so that water from the building can be filtered. Adjacent to this planting strip is the 12-foot wide multimodal path. Another vegetated Swale, 1 l feet wide, will handle more water from the building as well as some street runoff. A third Swale, up against the Union Pacific railroad tracks, also will accommodate some street runoff. She noted that there is no requirement to treat street runoff, but the development team wanted to do it and the space allows it. Vegetated swales will provide a lush landscaped buffer as well as serving the practical purpose of taking stormwater and filtering out pollutants (with overflow during heavy rains going into storm drains). Ms. Pattillo said that her favorite part of the development is acontext-sensitive steel-beam fence that will serve as a barrier between Martinez Street and the railroad tracks. She considers it a large-scale, functional work of art, with an undulating curving top, that will enliven the pedestrian space and be appealing to people using Martinez Street as well as BART riders who see this "sculpture" - at least until native California redwoods along the railroad tracks grow. These trees will quickly provide a dense screen. She said that The Alameda will "completely transform" Martinez Street. Ms. Tan clarified that Martinez Street will have two travel lanes, with parking on the west side of the street, next to the building. Among Phase I project benefits (including The Cornerstone, the parking garage and infrastructure improvements), she cited: o More than $110 million in total capital investments that will provide a stimulus for the TOD Strategy area. o $24.4 million in grants from the State of California, of which about $10 million is directed toward infrastructure improvements. o Additional income for downtown businesses ($4.5 million annually in additional household expenditures on apparel, food, dining, entertainment, furnishings and personal care). o About 750 construction jobs with project crews ranging from 20 to 80 or more individuals per project. o More than $600,000 in additional annual property taxes. o Increased transit ridership. 0 100% BART parking replacement. Among the organizations that have endorsed the development are the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce, Bay Area Council, Greenbelt Alliance, Sierra Club, TaansForm, COR, OSI Software and the Creekside Office Building. Ms. Tan noted that Debra Fair (Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.) as well as Ben Metcalf and Art Mayhew (both project managers) were available in the audience to answer any questions if they are needed. Chair Dlugosh invited questions and/or comments from Commissioners. Commissioner Ponder asked whether the units will be air-conditioned. Ms. Tan said that Pacific Plaza residents provided good input about air conditioning in their building. It has air conditioning in common areas and in top-floor units, which seems to be