For Immediate Release
Contact:
Barbara Kahn, 865-1341
Jon Spangler, 864-2144
Doug Biggs, 898-7849
AAPR, a citizens group supporting the plan to revitalize Alameda Point, responded this afternoon to the city’s October 13, 2009 press release expressing the mayor’s concerns about the Revitalize Alameda Point initiative.
“After over 15 years of community input, we finally have a plan to transform Alameda Point from a blighted, largely unusable area that is a financial drain to the city into a vibrant community that will be a benefit for all Alamedans,” said AAPR member Barbara Kahn. “We hope that the mayor’s statement doesn’t mean that the mayor is giving up trying to implement this plan.”
The Alameda Point Specific Plan is based on the community’s vision for Alameda Point redevelopment. The Specific Plan calls for an environmentally sustainable, transit-oriented, mixed-use community at Alameda Point that creates retail and commercial opportunities and jobs.
In the press release, the mayor expressed concerns about fiscal issues in the initiative, which was submitted for signatures in March 2009. “We appreciate the mayor’s concern for our community’s well-being and the City of Alameda’s financial health,” said Jon Spangler, also a member of AAPR. “As concerned citizens, we also want an initiative and development plan to be in the best financial interest of Alameda and have encouraged SunCal to address City concerns. SunCal has been responsive and has been meeting regularly with the Interim City Manager, Ann Marie Gallant, in order to resolve these issues,” Spangler added.
AAPR noted that SunCal had no option but to go the initiative route since the plan is not Measure A compliant and, therefore, requires voter approval.
AAPR is pleased that the Alameda County Registrar of Voters has certified the Revitalize Alameda Point initiative. “We’re glad that the decision will ultimately be in the hands of the voters,” noted AAPR’s Doug Biggs. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Alameda to turn the former Navy Base into an asset for all of Alameda. We encourage our city leaders to negotiate in good faith with SunCal to ensure that this opportunity is not lost.”
#####
