What do you think needs to be done with Alameda Point – and what steps would you take to make that happen?

The City has a great opportunity to assume local control and direct development at Alameda Point. I propose that job creation and clean, light industrial development should be primary re-use goals. They are in the best interests of Alameda because they answer the concerns of our neighbors and build a sustainable future for our City’s economy.

To meet this goal, the implementation of the new leasing polices which I requested
in the last few months should be finalized. The new policies will attract new
businesses, increase investment in historic buildings by current and new tenants,
and further the success of our business community currently located at Alameda
Point.

I propose that we review the current Housing Element, including Alameda’s
Regional Housing Needs Assessment. We need to set a target for the number of new
residential units in Alameda that is based on the housing/jobs balance and meets
City housing policy requirements.

I will work directly with the Navy, the Veterans Administration, the State Tidelands
Trust and the Bay Area Congressional delegation regarding next steps, placing
regional job creation as a top priority. Partnering with the VA on any infrastructure
that they need to put in place is a great way to share resources and add value to land
which is destined for transfer to the City.

There are a number of ways to meet these goals. As an alternative to having a
Master Developer, I am requesting the Council/ARRA to evaluate an approach that
uses a non-profit local development corporation, chartered and mandated by the
City of Alameda, to establish the specific plan for Alameda Point based on
community input.

In these challenging times, there are many reasons to feel uncertainty, but there is
also great opportunity. We have a chance to re-use the Base for the benefit of
Alameda and the region.