Alameda Point

Letters from the Community

July 28th, 2009

Alameda is a city known for its vigorous political debate and its well-informed citizenry. We would like to encourage that debate by periodically acknowledging the people who have offered thoughtful insights about the Alameda Point Revitalization Initiative.

 Posted below is a letter sent to a local newspaper we think is worthy of your attention.

Trust Plan Unfeasible

By Daniel Hoy, AIA, Architect – Alameda Journal: July 23, 2009

I agree with many of the Eliassens’ concerns in their July 17 My Word piece about Alameda Point. The site should not remain abandoned and it should not be carved up without an overall plan or consideration of its historical significance. However, there are many facts that make the Eliassens’ trust idea unfeasible.

The city doesn’t currently own the land. The Navy does, and there’s a $108.5 million price tag. As the Eliassens point out, the buildings and infrastructure are in horrendous shape, so much so that SunCal has developed a $679 million infrastructure budget. There are the many toxins to be cleaned up, which is something the Presidio did not have to deal with at this level.

We need a plan that will make the site safe and usable for all Alamedans, and we need it soon. The SunCal plan is well thought out and financially viable. A great deal of community input was provided over the years to get where the plan is today. It takes into account the Point’s rich Naval history and includes historic preservation as a primary design principle. It includes amenities, creates jobs and includes a mix of businesses and residences that integrate with the surrounding neighborhoods and will bring in much-needed revenue to our city.