Alameda Point

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Alameda Point Poised to Become a Bright, Green Spot in Alameda

By Blake Brydon, Alameda Chamber President
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2009 – ALAMEDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER

My family's connection with Alameda Point goes back to before I came to Alameda over 33 years ago and even before I was born. While my father was waiting his commission in the U.S. Navy, he worked as a test pilot and ferried planes, specifically Corsairs, from east coast to west coast. The west coast destination was Alameda Naval Air Station. He would only be coming full circle (after retiring as a Lt. Commander) one day when he and our family decided to make Alameda not only a destination this time but also our home. Growing up here in the '70s I remember many times attending the Officers Club with my parents and having a deep amount of respect for NAS and what it represented to Alameda and to the nation.

Many years have passed since NAS was selected for decommissioning in 1993 and now we are looking at a very blighted area that continues to deteriorate. The existing infrastructure such as water lines, sewers, buildings and toxic substances in the soil will only get worse over time and become a greater liability to the City. The original points of the Master Plan and Base Reuse Advisory Group focused on developing the land as mixed use with the goal in mind of creating new jobs, preserve open space, promote transit and create a pedestrian friendly environment. Moving ahead to the present, we now have an Alameda Point Redevelopment Master Plan Draft from SunCal, the master developer for Alameda Point. We are at this point after 15 years of studies, commissions, workshops and public presentations.

The project proposed will include a mixed use of housing types from apartments, condos and townhouses to single-family homes. In addition, a sports complex, new parks and trails, protected open space, more affordable housing, civic and community centers, a new school, library, improvements to transit and new local small businesses to strengthen our local economy. The plan also takes into account the preservation of historic buildings. In addition, this project will enhance transit that will include a new ferry terminal and bus connections to BART. We know that the population of Alameda will continue to grow and that as we move forward the use of public transportation will also increase. The project takes into account the need for a green footprint that will also encourage walking and bicycling, rideshare programs, shuttle services, preserving water ad minimizing waste.

The area is currently not generating tax dollars to sustain the long-term sustainability of the west end. The project cost will not affect the general fund of the City of Alameda.

The Alameda Community Improvement Commission (CIC) could issue redevelopment bond funding that would be paid back by the increased tax increments from the development itself for the infrastructure of the Point. With the increased tax revenue and additional spending power from new residents, this will not only help the west end but all Alameda.

The redevelopment is expected to bring an estimated 9,500 new jobs that will be in retail and commercial sectors. It is expected that the project will bring $400,000 per year to the City’s general fund. In addition, there will be other revenues such as sales tax and transfer taxes that will also benefit the City support the needed services in Alameda.

The decisions that we make today will impact the economy for years to come. Yes, we are in a downturn economy but we also have to be prepared for better days that are yet to come. The hard decisions that need to be made are now before us and we should not pass on this opportunity that may not come before us again. I encourage all to be informed and get involved in this project. It is my hope that I will be as proud entering a redeveloped Alameda Point as I was when I entered the gates of the Alameda Naval Air Station. Alameda is truly a jewel in the bay with some of the best views of San Francisco. Let's make all of us proud as citizens of Alameda to make our west end shine and prosper for years to come.