Alameda Point

Alameda Point Revitalization Initiative Creates New Public Parks and Open Space

July 31st, 2009

The Alameda Point Revitalization Initiative will create an enormous amount of new public parkland and trails out of what is now an underused and dilapidated former U.S. Navy base.

If approved by voters, the initiative will authorize a new neighborhood that will include as a centerpiece open spaces and recreational amenities that take advantage of Alameda Point’s breathtaking waterfront.

Specifically, Alameda Point will feature more than 6½ miles of public trails for walking and jogging, 15 miles of bike trails and 150 acres of parks.

To learn more about the open space plans for Alameda Point, lick here or read the Q&A section below:

Parkland Questions & Answers

Q: How will the new parks, sports fields and hiking and biking trails at Alameda Point be funded?

A: If approved by voters, the Alameda Point Revitalization Initiative will provide trails, soccer, baseball, football fields and other recreational facilities for all Alamedans to enjoy. All of this can be accomplished without costing current taxpayers or the City of Alameda one dime. The project is financed through a combination of developer funding and taxes and fees paid solely by future residents of Alameda Point.

Q: Where does the money come from? How do we know the money will be there when it is needed?

A: The improved land at a revitalized Alameda Point is expected to attract investors who fund the construction of the homes, businesses, parks, sports facilities, trails and other amenities at Alameda Point. In addition, the new residents and employers at Alameda Point will pay taxes and fees that help build and maintain these amenities. Even though the developer, investors and new residents pay for them, we all get to use them.

Q: Has this been done before in Alameda?

A: Yes. When Harbor Bay was developed, many parks, schools, fire stations and other public facilities were constructed using exactly the same financing mechanism. More recently, the Bayport development funded parks and public facilities without costing existing taxpayers one penny. Even though the new developers and new residents pay the cost, we all benefit from new and improved parks and facilities.

Q: How can we be sure that Alameda taxpayers won’t be left on the hook?

A: One of the most important components required by this plan is “fiscal neutrality.” In other words, by law, the Alameda Point Revitalization Plan must pay for itself and cannot cost the City of Alameda or residents of Alameda. It does not require a subsidy from the city that will take away funding from city services.

Q: How can we be sure that the money will be spent on parks, sports fields, hiking and biking trails and not other projects?

A: By voting yes on the Alameda Point Revitalization Initiative you are approving a binding agreement that requires the developer to build these facilities and guarantees that the taxes and fees from the new residents and businesses will be used to build and maintain parks, sports fields, hiking and biking trails and other amenities described in the initiative.