The Alameda Sun
By Joan Konrad
January 15, 2010
Three years ago, after a competition, the city of Alameda chose SunCal to be the master developer for Alameda Point.
The city and developer, acting as partners, entered into an agreement by which they would work together to establish how Alameda Point would be developed. If that is the case, how could the city, both elected officials and staff, have been unaware of what is in the initiative written by SunCal?
How could our city leaders have had so much enthusiasm for this project for the past three years, and now, suddenly, work for its failure? The reasons they give for rejecting the initiative appear flimsy.
How could the city leaders tell the voters to reject the Measure B initiative and entrust the development to the very people, the city, who have been unable to prevent the process from falling apart? The city's energies might have been better spent negotiating a fair deal and seeing the Disposition and Development Agreement is well-written.
Does the city plan to do the development alone? Where would they find the money? Do they have the expertise? They run a city; they are not experienced developing large tracts of land. Perhaps they have a new developer in mind to take over the work done by SunCal? That certainly would not be acting in good faith.
If Measure B fails, how many more years will it take before we have a new community at Alameda Point? How much more will it cost the city? Let's hope Measure B passes.
