What does the initiative do?

The initiative calls for amendments to the city charter (Measure A(1973) The actual text of what is known as Measure A is article 26 of the Alameda City Charter. It reads as follows: "Sec. 26-1. There shall be no multiple dwelling units built in the City of Alameda. Sec. 26-2. Exception being the Alameda Housing Authority replacement of existing low cost housing units and the proposed Senior Citizens low cost housing complex, pursuant to Article XXV of the Charter of the City of Alameda. Sec. 26-3. The maximum density for any residential development within the City of Alameda shall be one housing unit per 2,000 square feet of land. This limitation shall not apply to the repair or replacement of existing residential units, whether single-family or multiple-unit, which are damaged or destroyed by fire or other disaster; provided that the total number of residential units on any lot may not be increased. This limitation also shall not apply to replacement units under Section 26-2." ), General Plan, and Municipal Code, and for the adoption of a DADevelopment Agreement and Specific Plan for Alameda Point. The initiative gives SunCal full rights to develop Alameda Point, hold on to it without developing, or sell those rights to others.

The measure also grants the developer an exemption to increase the maximum number of homes that can be built on an acre, by amending the city charter.

If passed by voters, SunCal, or whoever buys the rights from SunCal, would retain those rights for 25 years. The 25-year term can be extended if the developer decides that circumstances require it. During those 25 years, the rights of Alamedans to have a say over what happens on the land would be severely restricted.