From: A. Spehr
To: CityCouncil-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thoughts on 7-A 2023-3448 Workshop to Provide Direction on De-Pave Park Design Options Date: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 5:06:02 PM
Attachments: building29.2.png
As a member of the Alameda Point Restoration Advisory Board, I was invited to tour Building
29. I found it to be a rare artist workspace, complete with a waiting list to get in. While it isn't a formal non-profit, it seems to be run as such. Artist and maker space is getting harder and harder to find these days, but there is great value to the city to have artists nearby. So I hope we can prioritize finding them a new location. And maybe not kick them out right away? At least keep them there as long as is easily possible. Maybe it could be an option to immediately remove just the firing range (which is currently rented for storage) and the parking lot, but keep the main building. (They didn't seem very concerned about losing the parking lot.) And why not turn the roof into a birdwatching platform?
[Image: main section of the building circled; the rest was the shooting range] The idea of putting levys around any of the buildings sounds like a waste of money. If it isn't a question of losing funding, why not wait until the sea rises enough to actually threaten the buildings in question? And then remove them. Trying to fortify them sounds pointless.
I would encourage the vision of the park to prioritize nature, not visitors. Let's not encourage people to have parties here or bring their dogs. They can do that 90 degrees around the corner.
One of the wetlands on the base is on an island to discourage cats from attacking birds. Will there be anything like that here?
I would encourage you to work towards a formal bird sanctuary that includes more of the wetlands on the Point.
Thank you,
Alex Spehr
RAB member
November1,2023
HonorableMayorandMembersoftheCityCouncil2226SantaClaraAveAlameda,CA94501RE: CityCouncil Meeting-Item7ADe-PaveParkDesignOptions HonorableMayorandMembersoftheCityCouncil:
ThankyoufortheopportunitytocommentontheinnovativeDePaveParkproject.BaykeeperisaCalifornianon-profitorganizationandsubmitsthesecommentsonbehalfofitsapproximately5,000membersandsupporterswholiveand/orrecreateinandaroundtheSanFranciscoBayArea.Baykeeper’smissionistodefendSanFranciscoBayfromthebiggestthreatsandholdpollutersandgovernmentagenciesaccountabletocreatehealthiercommunitiesandhelpwildlifethrive.
Baykeeperhasparticipatedinthestakeholdergroupsincethevisioningplanforthisprogressiveecologicalparkwascreated.Asoneofthescientificleads,wemetwithcitystaffandconsultantstohelpdescribethebenefitsofthisparkforthepeopleofAlamedaandAlameda’swildlife,includinghowitwillhelpprotectthiscommunityagainstclimatechangeimpacts.Nearly85percentofSanFranciscoBay’shistoricalwetlandshavebeendestroyedbydevelopment,soweareencouragedtoseeAlamedabegintorewilditsshorelineandrestorethemanybenefitswetlandscanprovide.Alamedashouldbeapplaudedfordesigningandimplementingthisvisionarypark.WehopethatothercitieswillfollowAlameda’sleadandrewildtheirshoreline,creatingbuffersforsealevelrise(SLR),enhancingbiodiversity,andincreasingcommunityresiliencetoclimatechange.BaykeeperhopestousethecompletedDe-PaveParktosupportcommunityscienceopportunitiesandtohelpeducateandinvolveourcommunitywithnature.
Weencouragethiscounciltochooseoption3andremoveBuilding25fromDe-PavePark,pendingrelocationofexistingbusinessesintoothersuitablewarehousespace.Thisactionprovidesmoreconnectivityforwildlife,increasesthesite’sabilitytoaccommodaterisingtides,andincreasesthepotentialfornaturalcarbonsequestrationon-site. ThevisionforthissiteisanecologicalparkthatwilladapttoSLR;leavingBuilding25intactiscountertothepurposeofthispark. Thisbuildingwillbeinundatedbygroundwaterassealevelsrise;theleveerequiredtoprotectBuilding25willonlyprotectagainstsurfacewater.Asgroundwaterinfiltratesthesite,theleveewillcreateamoat,andthebuildingwillhavetoberemovedregardless.
Welookforwardtocontinuingtoaddourexpertiseandenergytoplanningandfutureprogrammingatthissite.WehopethatyouwillprioritizenatureandthevaluethatthisparkofferstoprotectAlamedainthefuture. Thankyouforconsideringourcomments.
Sincerely,
JonRosenfield,Ph.D.ScienceDirector
De-Pave Park – Item 7A
November 7, 2023 City Council mee�ng
Dear Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcra�, Vice Mayor Tony Daysog, and Council Members Tracy Jensen, Trish Herrera Spencer, and Malia Vella:
A plan to keep Building 25, as seen in the center of the photo below, will forever cluter the poten�al postcard skyline view from future waterfront businesses and promenades. And if the building is retained, the scene will look even more dysfunc�onal when a levee is built around it.
Please take the long view for future genera�ons of people and wildlife and choose Op�on 3 to create the ul�mate viewscape for people and the ul�mate wetland for the environment.
Thank you,
Irene Dieter
Alameda resident
Comment on De-Pave Park design op�ons
Agenda Item 7-A City Council mee�ng, November 7, 2023 Submited by Richard Bangert, Alameda Point Environmental Report
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
I am wri�ng in support of Op�on 3, which would remove all buildings and create the maximum ecological park.
Choosing Op�on 3 adheres to the original design logic for the waterfront around the Seaplane Lagoon in the Waterfront and Town Center Plan that was approved in 2014 a�er a year of public ve�ng.
Each side of the lagoon features a dis�nct use: Working Waterfront on the south, Urban Waterfront on the east, Ac�ve Recrea�on on the north, and Habitat Area/Passive Recrea�on on the west.
Maintaining wineries, cafes, machine shops, or a warehouse in a sub-area set aside for wetland habitat and trails would ignore the well-thought-out design guidelines for the waterfront.
The City has derived significant revenue from both Building 29 and Building 25 and will con�nue to do so un�l the park is funded, hopefully within five years. Five years is plenty of �me to complete the design, permi�ng, tenant reloca�on nego�a�ons, grant funding, and contractor selec�on. Please choose Op�on 3 and set goals for commencement of construc�on.
From: Karen Miller
To: CityCouncil-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Adopt Measure AA Grant application for DePave Park Date: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 9:13:03 AM
Attachments: GGAS DePave Park .docx (2) (1).pdf
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As a member of the Golden Gate Bird Alliance, I provide my total support for the attached letter written by Glenn Phillips, the Executive Director of our organization. And, as a Alameda resident, I am in full support of adopting the Measure AA Grant Application for DePave Park. I also support removal of Building 25 from the park site. As stated by Mr. Phillips, It’s removable would greatly benefit wildlife, increase environmental diversity and improve the public’s experience at the park.
Sincerely,
Karen Miller
1321 Webster Street D301
Alameda, CA 94501
510-105-4540
Sent from my iPhone
September 16, 2021
Mayor Ezzy-Ashcraft, Vice Mayor Malia Vella, Councilmember John Knox White, CouncilmemberTrish Herrera Spencer, Councilmember Tony Daysog Amy Wooldridge, Director, Recreation and Parks
RE: Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting to be held September 21, 2021Item 7D – Measure AA grant application for DePave Park Ladies and Gentlemen:
Golden Gate Audubon Society urges the City Council to adopt the proposed Resolutionapproving the application to the SF Bay Restoration Authority and the matching $50,000 in Cityfunding. Before going further, we’d like to thank Amy Wooldridge for her superb direction andcontinued persistence in steering the visioning and development process for DePave Park,together with the City Council and CASA, who have provided valuable help during this process.
The DePave Park envisioned here will benefit the people of Alameda, Alameda’s wildlife and theentire Bay Area. The people of Alameda will have a peaceful new place to take a rest from theurban bustle and to enjoy and learn about nature. The expanded aquatic, tidal and landhabitats are badly needed by wildlife in this urban core; the habitat benefits are multiplied bythe fact that the Park will adjoin the VA Wetlands. Already, the adjacent reserve has been usedby 210 species of birds, including endangered and threatened species.
The transformation of this space from pavement to wetlands and planted areas will sequesterlarge amounts of carbon – offsetting the carbon from the park’s creation within 4 years andoffsetting the carbon emitted from the original construction in less than 25years. Left as is,the site will take 210 more years to offset the carbon emitted from the original construction.
The creation of this DePave Park is an opportunity that Alameda must take. There is enthusiasmfor this popular concept and so many hours of work have been consumed to bring it this far.
GOLDEN GATE AUDUBON SOCIETY2530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite G Berkeley, California 94702phone510.843.2222fax510.361.0140webwww.goldengateaudubon.org printed on 100% post-consumer waste paper
We understand that as part of the planning process, the City will evaluate the removal ofBuilding 25 from the park site. Its removal would greatly benefit wildlife, increaseenvironmental diversity and improve the public’s experience at the park. We hope that Building25 will be removed and will provide additional information supporting that at an appropriatedate.
If there is any way that Golden Gate Audubon can serve by providing information about thebirds that currently use the space, birds that might be attracted to the new park, appropriateplanting, or other elements of Bay Area nature, we would be happy to do so. This applicationand the matching funding have our enthusiastic support.
Sincerely,
Glenn PhillipsExecutive Director
From: Melinda Howard-Herrarte
To: CityCouncil-List
Cc: Lara Weisiger; Northern Alameda County Group Conservation Committee Subject: [EXTERNAL] Sierra Club Letter to Alameda City Council re: De-Pave Park Master Plan Date: Sunday, November 5, 2023 11:48:15 AM
Attachments: 20231105 De-Pave Park.pdf
Councilmembers,
Please find attached a letter supporting removal of building 25 in the De-Pave Park plan.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Melinda Howard-Herrarte
Chair, Sierra Club Northern Alameda County Group
P . O . B OX 2 6 6 3 | B E R K E L EY , C A | 9 4 7 0 2 | I N F O @ S F B A Y S C .O RG
NORTHERN ALAMEDA COUNTY GROUP
A L A M E D A A L BA N Y BE R K E L E Y E M E R Y V IL L E O A K L A N D P IE D M O N T S A N L E A N D R O
November 5, 2023
To: Alameda City Council
2263 Santa Clara Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501
CC: City Clerk Lara Weisiger
Re: De-Pave Park Master Plan
Councilmembers,
The Sierra Club Northern Alameda County Group of the San Francisco Bay Chapter support s a nature-based ecological shoreline park on the Alameda Seaplane Lagoon. We encourage the Council not to take the short - sighted half-measure of keeping an aircraft hangar for commercial use in an area ideally suited for wetlands, and instead to take full advantage of this opportunity to restore wetlands on San Francisco Bay by selecting the alternative that would remove all buildings and maximize nature.
The three additional acres of wetland gained by removing Building 25 will have a multiplier effect on the health of this natural ecosystem by creating an uninterrupted landscape between De -Pave Park and the future stormwater basin between the current Building 25 and the Air Traffic Control Tower and it will create a more inviting environment for wildlife.
Most of the historic wetlands around San Francisco Bay have already been lost to development. Only by proactively setting goals for we tlands restoration at every opportunity big and small can the Bay Area ever hope to heal the damage to the natural environment.
Respectfully,
Melinda Howard-Herrarte
Chair, Northern Alameda County Group
Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Urban Legend Input to De-Pave Park Workshop (Council meeting agenda item 7-A 11/7/23) Date: Thursday, November 2, 2023 7:11:17 PM
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Steve Shaffer <[email protected]>
Date: Nov 2, 2023 6:13 PM
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urban Legend Input to De-Pave Park Workshop (Council meeting agenda item 7-A 11/7/23)
To: Amy Wooldridge <[email protected]>,Annie Cox <[email protected]>,Economic Development <[email protected]>,Jennifer Ott <[email protected]>,Lois Butler <[email protected]>,Malia Vella <[email protected]>,Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft <[email protected]>,Tony Daysong <[email protected]>,Tracy Jensen <[email protected]>,Trish Spencer <[email protected]>,Marilee Shaffer <[email protected]>,Michael Dashe <[email protected]>,Anne Dashe <[email protected]> Cc: Sky Pace <[email protected]>,Anthony Sloan <[email protected]>,Dave Smith <[email protected]>
Dear Mayor, City Manager, Council members, and city staff, As tenants in Building 25 and business members of Spirits Alley, we would like to comment on the De-Pave Park proposal concerning our leased property.
While we support the creation of De-Pave Park, we believe that the proposed plans should consider a phased implementation of the park that takes into account the useful lifespan of Alameda Point’s structures, Building 25 being one of those.
The current value of Building 25 is undeniable, since the building and infrastructure, while aging, are fully functional and the building is completely occupied. Even if the eventual DePave Park would include the removal of Building 25, surely it would be prudent to make use of an asset that has time left on its intrinsic value rather than immediately demolish it, which would remove a source of city income during the long time period that the completion of the park would certainly take.
One of the proposed options does show that if Building 25 is retained, there is a relatively short break-even period to regain the monies used in infrastructure improvements made to the building concurrent to the initial park development.
There have already been consequences for us during the initial phase of this project. Placing the fate of the building in question during the term of our lease (through July 2031, which includes our renewal option) has already caused significant loss of commercial customers (custom crush) and devalued our business. Uncertainty of the outcome of the building’s fate is the worst possible scenario for our business, therefore we ask that the city make a definite decision as to the fate of the building as quickly as possible.
We must insist that if the building is to be removed that its removal be either scheduled beyond the time of our lease, or, if decided to remove it before that time schedule, that the city enter negotiations with us now to decide on viable options for our business moving forward.
Regards,
Steve Shaffer
Co-owner
Urban Legend
1951 Monarch St, STE 300
Alameda, CA 94501
510.545.4356
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
November 2, 2023
Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Vice Mayor Tony Daysog
Councilmember Tracy Jensen
Councilmember Trish Herrera Spencer
RE: Agenda Item 7-A DePave Park Design Options
Dear Members of the City Council:
Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA) supports the removal of Building 29 and 25 at DePave Park.
We encourage the City to find space at Spirit Alley for the tenants at Building 25 and other space at Alameda Point for the tenants at Building 29.
DePave Park has the potential to be a demonstration site for climate adaptation, “welcoming the water” and transforming the concrete at the west end of the Sea Plane Lagoon into a wetland, waterfront park.
Buildings at this site are inconsistent with the long-term use of the site.
Alameda must prepare for climate change and raise awareness for adaptation and mitigation.
Projects like DePave Park not only provide educational opportunities for Alameda residents and school children, but also demonstrate the City’s leadership in addressing climate change.
Sincerely,
Ruth Abbe, Steering Committee
Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda
415-235-1356
From: [email protected]
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fw: City Council Item 7A DePave Park Nov. 7,2023 Date: Thursday, November 2, 2023 2:14:40 PM
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft <[email protected]>; Tony Daysog <[email protected]>; Trish Spencer <[email protected]>; Malia Vella <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 02:13:34 PM PDT
Subject: City Council Item 7A DePave Park Nov. 7,2023
Dear Mayor Ashcraft, and Council Members Daysog, Spencer, Vella and Jensen, I am writing regarding the plans for the development of DePave Park, a historic advancement in restoring wetlands in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I am writing to support the plan, labelled Option 3, which is the one in which all buildings are removed.
I have supported the plan for DePave Park for many years- a unique and courageous plan to reclaim wetlands and protect our shorelines from sea level rise in a healthy manner.
Most of the historic wetlands around San Francisco Bay have been lost to human economic development. The positive environmental impact of removing Building 25 far exceeds the three-acre footprint of the parcel. Not only would the new wetland be larger, it would not include a structure that would intrude on what should be a safe space for wildlife. Removing Building 25 will also mean the natural landscape, from the new wetland to the seasonal wetland in the future stormwater basin, will be uninterrupted.
If Building 25 is removed De-Pave Park will become part of the greater wetland ecosystem that includes the existing wetland on federal property. It is a unique, once- in-a-lifetime opportunity to build on what is there, not hang onto a building- there are many building structures on Alameda Point devoted to breweries and other businesses. They are located in other sectors of Alameda Point, which makes sense. Keeping Building 25 in this location does not.
Thank you for all you do for the beautiful parks in our City of Alameda. This is a historic park and a decision which future generations will value. I know this decision takes courage,I urge you to recommend Option 3 to our City Council.
Sincerely,
Patricia Lamborn
Alameda resident 32 years
From: Linda Carloni
To: CityCouncil-List; Lara Weisiger
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letter Re Nov 7 Council Meeting Agenda Item 7A Date: Monday, October 30, 2023 2:23:48 PM
Attachments: GGBA to Alam City Council DePave Oct 23 - Final.pdf Letter from Golden Gate Bird Alliance (formerly Golden Gate Audubon) urging adoption of Option 3 in DePave Park Plan attached.
October 30, 2023
MayorandMembersoftheAlamedaCityCouncil@[email protected]@:[email protected] RE:CityCouncilMeeting,PlanforDe-PavePark,November7,AgendaItem7ALadiesandGentlemen:
GoldenGateBirdAlliance(formerlyGoldenGateAudubonSociety)isanon-profitorganizationbasedinAlamedaCountywhosemissionistoinspirepeopletoprotectBayAreabirdsandoursharednaturalenvironment.Forover100yearswehaverepresentedour7,000BayAreamembersandsupporters,envisioningaworldwherebirds,wildlife,andallpeopleflourishtogether.
WeapplaudthecityofAlamedaforitsdecisiontocreateanecologicalparkbyrestoringDe-PavePark,aportionoftheformerwetlandthatwasfilledtocreatewhatisnowcalledAlamedaPoint.Thenewparkwillallowpeopletoappreciatenatureandlearnaboutthemanybirdsthatuseourwetlands.ThenewwetlandwillprovidehabitatforthebirdsthatbreedandraiseyounginAlamedaaswellasthosethatstoptorestandfeedduringtheirmigrationnorthandsouth,andthosethatwinterintheBay. Theparkwillalsosequestercarbonandhelpthecityadjusttothenow-inevitableriseinsealevel.
Afewnumbersillustratethepotentialofthenewparktoprovidehabitatforbirds.Morethan200speciesofbirdshavebeenseenintwice-monthlysurveysoftheVAReserveadjacenttoDe-PavePark.IntheparkareaandthesurroundingwatersofSeaplaneLagoontothebreakwatermorethan150specieshavebeendocumentedineBird,thedatabaseusedbybirderstorecordtheirsightings.Allofthesespecies,andpotentiallymore,willusethenewwetland.
WeurgetheCityCounciltocreatethelargestamountofwildlifehabitatpossibleinthisecologicalparkbyadoptingoption3,removalofallofthebuildingsinthespace,includingBuilding25.WithoutBuilding25,thenewwetlandcanmoreeffectivelyaccommodatesealevelriseandmagnifytheeffectsoftheneighboringVAReservewetlandareas.RemovingBuilding25willalsobenefittheReserve’sendangeredCaliforniaLeastTernbreedingcolonybyremovingaperchusedbyPeregrineFalcons,Red-tailHawksandotherbirdsthatpreyontheyoungandadultterns.Morethan90%ofthehistoricmarshesandwetlandsaroundtheBayAreahavebeenlosttofilling,dikingorthelike.Wedon’t getmanychancestoreversetheeffectsofcriticalmarshand GOLDENGATEBIRDALLIANCE2150AllstonWay, Suite210 Berkeley, California94704phone510.843.2222 fax510.361.0140 webwww.goldengatebirdalliance.org
wetlandhabitatdestruction.PleasetakethischanceandreturnallofDe-PaveParkintoawetlandparkthatcanhelpallofusgetclosertonatureandprotectandpreserveourremainingwildlife.Sincerely, GlennPhillipsExecutiveDirector
From: Marjorie Powell
To: CityCouncil-List; Lara Weisiger
Subject: [EXTERNAL] November 7 Council meeting agenda item 7A De-Pave Park Design Options Date: Sunday, October 29, 2023 4:15:56 PM
Attachments: Nov 7, 2023 7A Workshop Powell Letter De-Pave Park.pdf Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
I support option 3 for the design of De-Pave Park for the reasons set forth in the attached letter. I will be out of the country so unable to attend and speak at the November 7 meeting, but urge you to adopt option
3. Marjorie Powell
2465 Shoreline Drive
Alameda CA 94501
From: Jeff Manker
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Comments on De-Pave Park for Council meeting of 11/7/2023 Date: Friday, October 27, 2023 3:42:51 PM
Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers,
I want to express my support for the removal of both buildings 25 and 29 on the proposed site for the future De-Pave park.
This is the opportunity of a lifetime to increase the wildlife habitat and the park space for our community. The businesses that occupy those buildings are not likely to exist for very long (looking at the history of occupants in the other repurposed buildings on the former base), whereas this habitat is likely to exist long past our lifetimes.
Another reason to remove both buildings is because the provide roosting perches for predatory hawks, falcons and Ravens that prey on the Endangered nesting colony of Least Terns. If the buildings come down there will be less predation.
Please make the decision to restore the maximum amount of habitat space and give room for nature to thrive.
Thank you,
Jeff Manker
222 Santa Clara Ave, Alameda, CA 94501
From: [email protected]
To: CityCouncil-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] De Pave Park
Date: Friday, October 27, 2023 11:58:28 AM
Dear City Council members,
The establishment of De-Pave Park will provide a great opportunity to create more wild intertidal habitat at Alameda Point. Please make this a reality. It’s for the birds! Thank you,
Kathleen Messer
Alameda
Sent from my iPhone
From: Trish Spencer
To: Lara Weisiger
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Re: De-Pave Park
Date: Thursday, October 26, 2023 8:13:51 PM
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jeff Manker <[email protected]>
Date: Oct 26, 2023 2:00 PM
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: De-Pave Park
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft <[email protected]>,Tony Daysog <[email protected]>,Tracy Jensen <[email protected]>,Trish Spencer <[email protected]>,Malia Vella <[email protected]> Cc:
Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers,
I want to express my support for the removal of both buildings 25 and 29 on the proposed site for the future De-Pave park.
This is the opportunity of a lifetime to increase the wildlife habitat and the park space for our community. The businesses that occupy those buildings are not likely to exist for very long (looking at the history of occupants in the other repurposed buildings on the former base), whereas this habitat is likely to exist long past our lifetimes.
Another reason to remove both buildings is because the provide roosting perches for predatory hawks, falcons and Ravens that prey on the Endangered nesting colony of Least Terns. If the buildings come down there will be less predation.
Please make the decision to restore the maximum amount of habitat space and give room for nature to thrive.
Thank you,
Jeff Manker
222 Santa Clara Ave, Alameda, CA 94501