While the primary goal of Alamedans for Alameda Point Revitalization is to advocate for revitalizing Alameda Point, some have asked why we are called an “advisory” group. Simply put, we are Alamedans who want the best possible development for Alameda Point and for our community. Our roles are to share the perspectives of citizens and fellow residents with the developer, and to advise and guide the developer so that the revitalization remains consistent with its stated objectives as outlined in the Plan.
While the playing fields, varied housing types, and sustainable green development standards will be carried out by SunCal, many future decisions remain that will affect how well Alameda Point fulfills our community’s vision for this newest neighborhood. This group aims to represent the views of a broad cross section of Alamedans during the planning and development process.
The City is already losing money repairing the infrastructure at the former base, and faces terrible financial exposure if we continue to do nothing at Alameda Point. The condition of the base’s buildings and infrastructure is rapidly deteriorating, and the cost of replacing the entire base infrastructure of antiquated streets, sewers, the electrical grid, and more is almost $700 million. The wake-up call was the terrible fire at the former Navy Hospital property that cost the City $1.6 million in cleanup costs and put the entire community at risk due to the release of asbestos into the atmosphere.
One of our group’s members mused that the result of this hazard stands in sharp contrast to the enormous success of the Alameda Theatre and Cineplex that has helped revitalize Park Street. The Theatre is already providing income to the City in excess of its projections. Once developed and revitalized, Alameda Point will similarly contribute to the city’s economy and budget on a much larger scale.
The long-neglected and underserved West End now, at last, has the opportunity to shine with a neighborhood library, new schools, jobs, open space, sports fields, bike paths, retail, and more frequent bus service. Alamedans for Alameda Point Revitalization wants to see this third of the island become a productive and desirable part of Alameda.
