3B Public Hearing 2009 0720 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes July 7, 2009 Agenda No. 09-13 Page 9 of 11 Ms. Tan explained that negotiations with BART continue, but the idea is to come to terms on a land swap. Westlake and BART both own land, and the idea is to make an even exchange. She said The Alameda is in play because it was going to be on a long-term, $1 -per -year ground lease, which makes it somewhat challenging to put a market value on the underlying land. Commissioner Reed commended the developers and staff for everything it has taken to bring the project to the stage it is, and said it will be a great asset to San Leandro. Because of its importance as a gateway to the City, he reiterated a concern he expressed in January: the appearance of the gymnasium wall facing San Leandro Boulevard, particularly in contrast to the Cornerstone once it is complete. He wondered whether addressing this situation might be added to the Conditions of Approval. Senior Planner Millenbah suggested that recently approved contractual services relating to development of a Pedestrian Interface Plan centered on proposed changes to San Leandro Boulevard, including landscaping, also could address the stark wall that concerns Commissioner Reed. He pointed out that once design work on the plan reaches the appropriate stage, it will come before the Planning Commission, at which time Commissioner Reed will be able to see that it satisfies him. Commissioner Brannan, likewise, issued commendations. She praised the architect, the developer and BRIDGE Housing for being flexible, for listening to the community and City representatives and for persevering in setting a good precedent for the rest of the TOD area. She likes the changes made not only with the Cornerstone structures but also the landscaping and street improvements. Vice Chair Finberg concurred with other Commissioners' comments on the extent of the progress ,made since the last presentation on the Cornerstone, and particularly for listening and responding to the concerns of residents on Carpentier Street. On a broader scale, she agrees that the project will enhance what will become the entryway into San Leandro, along with the Creekside property. Those coming in along Davis Street will see the City as a planned community rather than something haphazardly thrown together. That is the direction we want to go as we evolve from "a community of the '70s into a community of the 21 st Century." Chair Dlugosh requested a clarification from Ms. Tan that might respond to Commissioner Ponder's desire to see additional retail. He asked whether the space initially reserved for a leasing office for the Cornerstone eventually will become retail space. Ms. Tan said that even after the Leasing function ends, some management office space will be needed, but more to the point, zoning limits the amount of retail that the development can include, and the proposal already reaches that limit. Secretary Livermore added that retail in that area is limited to help assure vitality in downtown retail. The idea with development within the TOD Strategy area is to provide housing that increases the customer base for downtown businesses. Motion to Adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Cornerstone at San Leandro Crossings (PLN2008-00030) Reed/Collier; 7 Aye, 0 No —Approved