Minutes 1996 0205 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Minutes - San Leandro City Council /Redevelopment Agency Meeting Page - 5 - February 5, 1996 PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) In response to Council questions, Mr. Emslie said third -story precedent exists at the Marina Inn, with no significant disruption to scenic views. Traffic was analyzed by Traffic Engineering on surface streets serving the Marina and no significant change or detrimental impact was found. He said the boundary of the project has changed to make boat launching more efficient; the parking lot will be restriped /reorganized for greater usability. The Hearing was then opened to the public. Al Fernandes, One of the Appellants, Begier Avenue, said it took many years for Roberts Landing to go through, and he is concerned that this project is not going through that extensive study. He said he is concerned that the project has been modified from two to three stories, which will have an impact on traffic and parking. He requested that the Council delay approval until these studies have been done. Jim Prola, One of the Appellants, 2234 Belvedere Avenue, said extensive traffic studies were not done, and the EIR is now incomplete. He said traffic congestion in the area is bad and getting worse. He said the EIR, prepared in 1992, assumed only 106 units; 122 are now proposed. He said the project has gone from two to three stories without any view studies. The meeting rooms have been changed to large conference rooms, which will add traffic. Barry Hinkle, 180 Grand Avenue, Attorney for the Appellants, said an addendum to a Negative Declaration cannot be issued unless it is nothing more than minor changes. In this case, adding a story was not considered. The units were increased from 106 to 122; the meeting rooms were changed to large conference rooms, which might increase traffic; shared parking would require boat - launch ramp users to enter the hotel compound to park. He urged the City Council to put this matter over until staff addresses these concerns. Barry Luboviski, Secretary/Treasurer Building Construction Trades Council of Alameda County, said he appreciates the need of the community to diversify its environment to economically sustain itself. He said, in looking at a project, it is fair and appropriate to look at the impact on the local residents and infrastructure. He referred to a 1989 study regarding the impact of out -of -area workers and said they impact the infrastructure because they bring their families, use the schools, and use emergency services. He said cities use negative declaration to attract business and make determinations to issue concessions because they see benefit to community. He said this employer will build and staff with non -union workers; many will be out of the area and will impact the community. He said a large percentage of union workers live here, and outsiders would have a chilling effect on their salaries. He said a full EIR should be prepared, and the planning process should reweigh all of the issues and impact on local planning issues.