3B Public Hearing 2009 0720 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes July 7, 2009 Agenda No. 09-13 Page 7 of 11 Ms. Tan said that ideally the cyclone fence would be replaced; the proposed fence is the same height, and even the open parts would still keep children on the other side. If there is discomfort about eliminating it, the existing fence could remain. A security consultant (who worked on security issues at the Bayfair BART station) has been engaged to look at the design; that consultant's findings will be shared with the school and church. Flavia Krasilchik, representing Greenbelt Alliance, expressed the organization's support of the project, praising its livable environment- and pedestrian -friendly features and its provision for housing. Greenbelt Alliance helps protect more than one million acres of Bay Area farmlands and open space, in part by supporting compact, transit -accessible communities with a wide range of housing options for families of varied size and income levels — all criteria that San Leandro Crossings meets. By adding new homes to an area well -served by transit, she said the developers are ensuring that residents of the project will have the option of using public transportation rather than private vehicles. Parking for the residences being provided within the site, plus widened sidewalks, additional trees, paseos, plazas and so on will enliven the streets and the neighborhood. Good urban design and more pedestrians in the area will also improve public safety. The Alameda component of the project helps ensures that people who work in San Leandro also can afford to live here, reducing commute times and air quality at the same time. The project also embraces green building technologies, and green certification will ensure that construction and operation do not have a negative effect on the environment. Greenbelt Alliance recently released its "Grow Smart Bay Area" report, a vision for how the region can grow sustainably. Via well-designed infill developments such as San Leandro Crossings, the East Bay alone can comfortably accommodate nearly one-third of the Bay Area's anticipated housing needs through the year 2035 — without interfering with the open spaces we cherish. Dennis Davis, an ordained minister on the staff at St. Leander and a City resident for about 60 years, considers the project a cornerstone of the development of our community. He indicated that Father Vassar graciously opened the parish office for developers to meet with COR (Congregations Organizing for Renewal) and move the project along. He knows that the developer will work with St. Leander to mitigate any concerns about the children. This project will create jobs; it recognizes the needs of families to have affordable housing; it acknowledges the need to build up rather than out because space is limited; it reflects the City's architecture; it brings a sense of security and excitement. He said his main statement is one of thanks for all of the hard work of the Planning Department, the Planning Commission and the City Council. "As a citizen of San Leandro, your work has made me proud," he concluded. Bruce Levitch, a San Leandro resident for about 30 years, expressed several concerns. Among them — considering the hundreds of developments in downtown Oakland that are in various stages of incompletion — is a desire for assurance that if this project gets underway, it gets completed in a timely manner. He also wants to see that San Leandro residents are hired for the jobs the project will create. In addition, he is somewhat concerned by the fact that the proposal contains no provisions for three-bedroom units. David Rust, an Oakland resident and BART rider, said he has been parking at the San Leandro BART station daily for 15 years. As someone who crosses San Leandro Boulevard every day, said the street is dangerous, signals slow and traffic fast. Considerations must be given to pedestrians crossing safely. Also of concern is having an elevated parking garage that is farther from the BART entrance than current parking spaces; this is of particular importance in rainy weather and (for safety reasons) at night. He is also concerned about whether any plans have been made for interim parking to make up for spaces lost during construction. With no other speakers coming forward, Chair Dlugosh requested a motion to close the public hearing.