General Approach:
As a Councilmember, we would be working with you to help Alameda develop environmentally, equitably, and economically. As long as economic growth equates to material growth requiring materials from outside of the local area, such as large homes and automobiles and other possessions, there will be a tension between economic development and environmental stewardship. What will you do to promote sustainable and equitable economic development for Alameda and the surrounding region? ...

As a councilmember in Alameda, I will make decisions on economic development only after I am assured that each project is environmentally responsible. The potential of Alameda Point provides tremendous opportunity and tremendous risk - the opportunity provide housing and business opportunities and improve Alameda’s quality of life comes with the risk of reducing Alameda’s unique neighborhood character. I believe that Alamedans and others can benefit from the economic development that will come from an effective plan to improve Alameda Point. Unfortunately, there are two environmental issues that must be addressed before any action can be taken to develop Alameda Point. These concerns have not been addressed fully by prior proposals, and as a councilmember it will be my role to ensure that any development that is approved fully mitigates the toxic cleanup and the transportation of future residents.
The City Council has been attempting to determine and constrain the role of the developer. We cannot move forward with the development of Alameda Point unless and until the City Council agrees on a vision and holds the developer accountable for that vision. Negotiations that begin with a specific number of homes or retailers are fruitless unless the City Council, with input and support from Alameda residents, agrees on how the development fits into our existing neighborhoods.

As a councilmember I will promote sustainable and equitable economic development for Alameda and the surrounding region by ensuring that development is accomplished with community input and with support from local agencies such as the Sierra Club, Save the Bay, the Nature Conservancy ___. Our resources in Alameda are precious and the city council – with input and support from the community - must ensure environmentally responsible development not only at Alameda Point, but at the beltline property, the Harbor Bay parcels, the northern waterfront and elsewhere. Alameda has achieved a degree of density that does not sacrificing open space, bike lanes, walkability and public transportation. The future depends on our keeping those priorities while ensuring that we do retain our diversity and our economic base.

Regional Development:
The City of Alameda’s General Plan Housing Element attempts to address the regional responsibilities of the city when it comes to development of new projects. The Housing Element identifies potential sites for new housing and responds to the concerns of development at Alameda Point, while establishing that the City will not independently fund projects for low income residents. According to the Plan, “affordable housing for very low and low income households will rely, to a large degree, on government funding to create below-market-rate units due to the high land and construction costs in … Alameda”
I am concerned that Alameda is not addressing its responsibility to provide low and moderate rate housing, and in fact the City is behind in its obligation to the Bay Area Association of Cities. The City’s Housing Element suggests that “the 25% inclusionary requirement (for less than market rate housing projects) in redevelopment areas .. (may be) .. an impediment to development.” Does that mean that the City Council is not in support of inclusionary housing projects? I am not sure because I have not seen a vision statement for Alameda Point that states explicitly that low and moderate income housing is necessary or appropriate.
As I stated in the first response, the City Council must not move forward with the development of Alameda Point unless and until the City Council agrees on a vision and holds the developer accountable for that vision. My vision includes all Alameda residents, not just those who can afford a market rate new home. The Alameda City Council must work closely with ABAG and other regional authorities to ensure that development is not solely for the benefit of Alameda. I would like to see an Alameda Point that is as diverse as the rest of our island – or perhaps more so – with housing for all income levels, and with schools and various public services that do not rely on contributions or donations or tuition.

Wildlife Refuge:
My priority is to clean up Alameda Point. By taking responsibility for the runways and the adjacent sites, the Veterans Administration has come forward to provide a solution to the toxic cleanup. A Veterans administration health care facility at Alameda Point would provide access to services for thousands of Alameda and nearby veterans. As a member of the Alameda Hospital Community Outreach Committee I am very aware of the lack of services available to Alameda veterans who receive health care through the Veterans Administration. Alameda has a rich military legacy, and the establishment of a veterans facility would be an appropriate use for a portion of Alameda Point.

According to the Department of the Navy, “The proposed action is a Federal-to-Federal agency (Fed-to-Fed) transfer of property from the Navy to the VA at former NAS Alameda to meet the following VA needs: construct outpatient medical facilities, construct a new cemetery and establish Veterans Affairs administrative offices in support of local veterans.

Alameda Point Environmental Restoration:
About 10 – 11% of the Navy property has been transferred to the City. Most of the former naval base is in need of remediation. Less than one-quarter of the land has undergone remediation, and another one-fifth (or less) is in the first stages of remediation.

No, [residential standards are not the same as unrestricted use.] I am very concerned about the cleanup standards at Alameda Point. Specifically, as a member of the School Board I opposed the Measure B initiative because of my concerns about the potential toxicity at the proposed school sites. As a City Councilmember I will use my federal contacts and experience to ensure that the cleanup is adequate, and that the recovery includes more than the top 15 inches of soil.

Alameda energy policy:
I am aware of and in agreement with scientific global warming scenarios. As an Alameda City councilmember I will use my years of experience working closely with Oakland City Councilmembers and staff to address any changes at the Oakland Airport. I believe that global warming has a more immediate and local implication though, and that is the impact on the residential development at Alameda Point. Several proposals have suggested that housing could be established on the low lying regions of the parcel; as a City Councilmember I will establish a requirement that all City Council reports and recommendations for action include a discussion of the environmental impact. That would ensure that the Council makes decisions with information about how rising sea levels would affect residents at Alameda Point and elsewhere in our community.
... The development of Alameda Point provides the City with an opportunity to explore alternative energy sources and to become a leader in renewable power. Because of, or in spite of, our municipal utility, the City is not doing enough to develop alternative sources of energy. The City Council must require that all reports and recommendations include an environmental impact statement, and that all contracts and projects take environmental considerations into account.

Transportation hubs with high-density and low-income housing:
The transit hub is a developmental opportunity that requires an opportunity for exchange of passengers and cargo. At this time the only opportunity for a transit hub in alameda is a high speed ferry terminal. I don’t believe such a project is feasible because of the limitations on transferring goods by ferry, and the lack of destination alternatives for ferry passengers.
I don’t think that Alameda could support a major transportation hub with high-density housing. Alameda is currently one of the densest cities in the East Bay, and we are not addressing our responsibility to provide low income housing to our residents. As a Councilmember I would ensure housing opportunities for low and moderate income Alamedans at Alameda Point, before developing the site for missed use and market rate housing.

What characteristics must a business development project have for you to consider it sustainable economic development that would benefit the local community?
Attention to the environment, commitment to recycling of all materials, and ability to adapt to changing economic and environmental situations [are characteristics of sustainable economic development].