Alameda Point

Alameda Point Initiative Protects Point from Sea-Level Rise

December 3rd, 2009

A state report released yesterday offers strategies for responding to sea-level rise and the other consequences of global warming.

The report, “2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy,” makes recommendations for coastal areas like Alameda Point, which will be home to Alameda’s newest mixed-use neighborhood if voters approve Alameda Point Revitalization Initiative.

Planning for sea-level rise is a critical element of the Revitalization Initiative, which was crafted during two-plus years of extensive study and public input. The Revitalization Initiative’s sea-level strategies dovetail neatly with the state’s recommendations. For example, in areas that can be safely shielded from sea-level rise, like Alameda Point, the report emphasizes the need to protect new developments “that have regionally significant economic, cultural, or social value,” which describes perfectly the proposed revitalization plan for Alameda Point.

The Revitalization Initiative will easily accommodate this recommendation by using a comprehensive grading strategy that elevates the project in order to protect the Point from sea level rise.

And, while the City of Alameda has estimated a rise of 18 inches over 50 years, our plan includes a contingency to build a protective levee system should sea levels rise beyond current expectations – making Alameda Point one of the most sheltered neighborhoods in the entire Bay Area.

The value of the revitalization plan is demonstrated in the project description itself – a mixed-use, pedestrian friendly, transit-oriented community with many new features. The plan also renovates historically important buildings, and will, in cooperation with the U.S. Navy, clean up the toxins from years of military and industrial use. The Revitalization Initiative also supports thousands of new jobs and will generate a positive cash-flow for the City of Alameda’s general fund.

At no point will taxpayers who live outside of Alameda Point’s new neighborhoods be required to pay for any part of this plan, including the strategy for dealing with sea-level rise. Because California law requires all new projects to be “fiscally neutral,” the plan for Alameda Point will be built and maintained using private investment dollars and the taxes and fees generated by the new homes and businesses that will call Alameda Point home.

The rest of Alameda was not planned with a view towards global warming as it was developed. Now, the rest of the community has the opportunity to take advantage of the protections that Alameda Point provides. We know that the more people learn about this plan to clean up, revitalize and re-use the old navy base, the more they will support it.