One night Only
Last night’s Alameda Point meeting was a breath of fresh air. Close to 200 people attended (this is my guesstimate) and got involved in solid discussions about building at the Point.
The concepts presented were high level (no specifics, just concepts) and after a solid presentation by Peter Calthorpe, the group broke up into the dreaded “Small groups” (insert shrieking here!!!).
The groups were charged with listing pros and cons of two concepts presented by SunCal. One, a Measure A compliant plan that had about 1400 homes, no retail, lots of open space, etc. and a second, non-measure A compliant plan (total numbers of housing units were not discussed, but it was hinted that it would be at least double the measure A compliant plan). This plan had retail, increased open space, a restored wetlands area in the bird sanctuary, some sort of major transportation solution serving Fruitvale BART and possibly downtown Oakland.
A key difference was the significant decrease in environmental impact in the second plan. Also, schools would be built in plan B, but not A.
After 45 minutes of discussion (we were encouraged to use the dreaded “consensus” method for making comments, not just write down a rambling list) we reported back our agreed upon list. And I have to say it was refreshingly energized, positive and a real pleasure.
Sure there were some folks there to make their political points (one woman grabbed the microphone during the report back to scold the attendees on the fact that transit is not guaranteed. Certainly a valid point of view, but pretty rude all the same.). A few people interrupted Calthorpe to ask pointed questions/make specific points. Again, not the place/time….rude.
These few outbursts not withstanding, the event was more than civil, it was friendly.
I was surprised by not only the open discussions about the positive aspects of the non-measure A compliant visions, but by the out and out support by an overwhelming number of people for the plans that were not Measure A compliant. Even Action Alameda took time out to explain the Density Bonus theory to building non-compliant housing. When a group that was vehemently pro-measure A starts touting proposals that are not measure A compliant, change is underfoot.
The Powerpoint from the meeting will be posted soon. SunCal will continue to take community feedback.
A quick reminder that if you haven’t already, you can also help create a community vision for the Point at www.alamedapointvision.org. Take the new survey, it doesn’t take that long!
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Don Peterson
December 18th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
I was not at the meeting but I was encouraged to read your report of it. It sounds that the sane people are leeting thier voices be heard.
Stop, Drop and Roll » Plan B from Outer Space.
August 7th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
[...] Ok, it’s not all I can really say, but actually, I feel like much of what I can say was said after SunCal’s last meeting: SunCal came to talk with the community about two proposals, neither of which were Measure A [...]