Blackbird on a Wire
Often, getting to sit on the Planning Board must feel like walking a high wire. So many voices with strong opinions, while you end up having (getting?) to be the final arbiter. And rest assured, the members know that their attempts at finding a middle ground will be found to be unacceptable by those who disagree with them, while only possibly pleasing those who seem to agree with your position.
On Monday night, the Alameda Landing retail proposal received the green light, after the Planning Board insisted on changes supported by deft wrangling by staff and an ultilmat willingness to work together by the applicant (Catellus). The Planning Board had initially asked Catellus to change their plans in ways that the applicant was not happy with. Catellus appealed to the City Council, but along the way came up with a compromise proposal. The council booted the compromise back to the planning board and Monday night, the Planning Board held firm on some of their requests, but should flexibility in moving forward at the same time.
It’s nice to see the process work. There’s nothing easy about it, but the board members (dissenters and approvers) deserve hearty praise for sticking with their convictions but working to find compromises acceptable to all parties.
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