Excerpt:

An enthusiastic City Council on Tuesday night gave City Manager John Russo the go-ahead to sign the deeds for 1,379 acres of Alameda Point, paving the way for the city to begin to address what many see as the Island’s biggest issue – reuse of the former Navy base.

“You know what? Congratulations to the City of Alameda,” Mayor Marie Gilmore said to a small crowd gathered in council chambers that clapped as the unanimous roll call vote was taken.

The deal, which has been two decades in the making, is set to close on June 4. A dignitary-saturated ceremony to commemorate the deal will be held on June 24.