From: Devon Westerholm
To: City Clerk; Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Malia Vella
Cc: [email protected]; Devon Westerholm
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Concerns with Alameda Hospital Planned HVAC Upgrade Project Date: Monday, May 13, 2024 9:09:11 PM
Dear City Clerk, Mayor and Subcommittee members,
I am writing to express my concern regarding Alameda Hospital's upcoming HVAC system upgrade and retrofit project. It has come to our attention that the hospital plans to park two large trucks in its parking lot next to 2032 Clinton Ave - one truck will house the cooling system, and the other will house the heating system, both running continuously on diesel generators for the next four years.
Initially, the hospital facilities manager indicated that these trucks would operate at all times using mobile diesel generators. However, after discussing our concerns with Councilwoman Tracy Jensen, I learned that power might be supplied from the hospital, with generators used only as a backup.
Unfortunately, since there has been no direct communication with the community by the hospital to clarify these plans, there is no clarity on the actual plan.
As the hospital embarks on this multi-year project, we anticipate significant disruption to the neighborhood. We would appreciate seeing this initial project to set the precedent of being ‘good neighbors’. As such, we request full transparency and accommodations to minimize the impact on residents. Of primary concern are the noise and pollution generated by portable generators, which must be managed in compliance with the city's noise and pollution ordinances. As a resident of Clinton Avenue with respiratory issues, I am particularly concerned about pollution and many of my neighbors are elderly or have young children. Additionally, the hospital sits on Lagoon 2 which as a waterway, will carry sound even further than under normal conditions to people living up and down the lagoons.
To mitigate these issues, I propose the following for your consideration:
1. Open a public comment period for this and all future hospital projects and their phases impacting the community.
2. Provide ongoing communication about project plans and timelines.
3. Utilize electric generators, such as those from Moxion (https://www.moxionpower.com/ ), to
align with Alameda’s climate commitments and reduce noise and pollution.
4. Ensure adherence to all city noise, pollution, and work time ordinances.
We have begun informing our neighbors and will next approach the West Lagoon HOA. I urge this group to consider our requests to establish this project as a 'good neighbor' initiative.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I plan to attend the meeting tomorrow to make a public comment.
Sincerely,
Devon Westerholm
2008 Clinton Ave.