Welcome to the HOMES e-newsletter!  HOMES is a grassroots citizen’s group dedicated to preserving Alameda’s character at the Alameda Point redevelopment site.  We believe that by offering a variety of homes in lively, mixed-use neighborhoods, Alameda Point will offer the historic feel, cultural richness and economic vitality that make Alameda such a wonderful place to live.

 

January 2006

 

  1. Recap of January 4th ARRA Meeting
  2. February 1st ARRA Meeting – Please attend and comment!
  3. High Density Development – Myths and Facts
  4. HOMES Notes

 

Recap of January 4th ARRA Meeting

Fairly low attendance by the community marked the January 4th ARRA meeting.  The City and the Navy are still working out the terms of the conveyance.  The current timeline estimate is that the first phase of development will be ready for implementation in late 2007 at the earliest.  To date, the City has spent approximately 82% of budget for this transfer process.  $12 - $13 million dollars in bonds have been issued to pay for the conveyance and City’s part in the development. 

 

Once the conveyance is completed, the Master Developer (APCP) has to decide on proceeding.  If APCP elects to proceed, approximately 18 months will be spent to refine the PDC and EIR, both involving community comment.   Phase I is expected to be developed from 2007 – 2011; Phase II from 2012 – 2017; and Phase III from 2018 – 2023. The DDA (Development and Disposition Agreement) will be executed in early 2007.  Approximately two-thirds of the homes will be built during Phase I.

 

In a sad note, Project Manager Stephen Proud announced his resignation.  He will be moving into the private sector and this is a major loss for the City’s negotiation team.

 

February 1st ARRA Meeting

It is important that as many of us as possible attend the February 1st ARRA meeting.  At this meeting the final PDC, which reflects comments from both the July and October presentations, will be considered and accepted.  It is important for concerned citizens to attend and continue to advocate for a full review of a Measure A alternative.  From an economic perspective, the alternative could help the City more effectively meet its financial goals.  Recent housing trends indicate an uptrend of desirability and resale value of condos and townhomes.  The Measure A alternative would permit development of various types of housing and help the City revenue if the sale of large single family development market slows. 

 

Myths and Facts of Higher Density Development (answers below)

  1. Higher-density developments lower property values in surrounding areas.
  2. Lower-density development generates less traffic congestion and parking problems than high-density development.
  3. Low-density development is friendlier to the environment.
  4. Higher-density housing is only for lower-income households.

 

HOMES Notes

The members of HOMES continue to look for opportunities to discuss the opportunities at Alameda Point.  How about inviting us to attend a meeting of a group you belong to or setting up a coffee?  We would be happy to discuss the challenges and opportunities at Alameda Point.  Just email us at homesalameda@comcast.net

 

 

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Please feel free to pass this e-newsletter along.  To subscribe or unsubscribe, email:  homesalameda@comcast.net

 

Tax-deductible contributions are needed to fund HOMES educational efforts!  Make checks payable to:

HOMES

816 Grand St.

Alameda, CA  94501

 

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Myth or Fact Answers

  1. Myth.  No discernible difference exists in the appreciation rate of properties located near higher-density development and those that are not.  Some research even shows that higher-density development can increase property values.
  2. Myth.  Not only does higher-density development generate less traffic per unit, it makes walking and public transportation more feasible and creates opportunities for shared parking.  Condominium and townhouse residents average 5.6 trips per day, compared with the 10 trips a day averaged by residents of low-density communities.
  3. Myth.  Low-density sprawl increases air and water pollution and destroys natural areas by paving and urbanizing greater swaths of land.  For example, two recent studies show that compact development can achieve a 30% reduction in runoff and an 83% reduction in water consumption compared with conventional suburban development.
  4. Myth. People of all income groups choose higher-density housing.  Condominiums, for instance, are often the most sought after and highly appreciating real estate in many urban markets.  The luxury segment of the apartment market is also rapidly expanding. 

 

Source:  Higher-Density Development:  Myth and Fact.  Published by the Urban Land Institute

 

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HOMES Steering Committee:

Helen Sause, Co-Chair – 510-521-3940; helensause@alamedanet.net

Diane Lichtenstein, Co-Chair – 510-523-1115; dlooo@alamedanet.net

Doug Linney, Strategic Advisor

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