…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 17, 2025 Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft Vice Mayor Michele Pryor Councilmember Greg Boller Councilmember Tony Daysog Councilmember Tracy Jensen RE: Agenda Item 7-A Various Actions Related to Potential Sale of 13 Acres of Land in the Enterprise District for Pacific Fusion Research and Development Facility Dear Members of the City Council: Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA) is a community-wide coalition dedicated to raising awareness, mobilizing community action, and facilitating the implementation of the City’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan and more generally to increase community sustainability and well-being. We are thrilled that Alameda Point has been the destination for so many green tech companies, including Pacific Fusion. We are writing to support the actions related to the potential sale of land to Pacific Fusion. § Pacific Fusion is demonstrating technology that could help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the impacts of climate change. If successful, Pacific Fusion could change our path towards adaptation and resilience and reduce the impacts of sea level rise. § Pacific Fusion will be an anchor facility in the Site B Enterprise District at Alameda Point and will contribute to the development of the utility and streets infrastructure. § Pacific Fusion will create 250 clean tech jobs in Alameda and will significantly contribute to Alameda’s economy. § Pacific Fusion has committed to address concerns that the public has about safety and radioactive waste. As an island city, Alameda is uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. We need to invest in those solutions and providing a long-term support to Pacific Fusion is part of that solution. Sincerely, Ruth Abbe, Steering Committee Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda
RE: June 17th AGENDA ITEM: 7-A 2025-5088
Dear Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft, Vice Mayor Pryor, and Councilmembers Boller, Daysog, and Jensen, City
Manager
Ott
and
Base
Reuse
Director
Thorne-Lyman,
We’re a group of Alameda parents with young children writing to express strong support for the City moving forward with the sale
of
property
at
Alameda
Point
to
Pacific
Fusion.
This
project
isn’t
just
about
filling
a
blank
lot—it’s
about
sparking
a
transformation
that
could
energize
our
city’s
economy
and
signal
that
Alameda
is
a
magnet
for
innovative
companies
solving
critical
problems.
Clean,
abundant
energy
is
vital
for
the
future
of
our
kids,
the
world,
and
this
Island.
A Spark for Jobs, Innovation & Development
We’ve
already
seen
Alameda
companies
like
Makani,
Saildrone,
Kairos,
Natel,
and
Rain
generate
cross-pollination
of
talent
and
ideas.
The
same
is
true
in
biotech,
with
Penumbra,
Abbott,
and
Excelxis.
Pacific
Fusion
has
the
potential
to
anchor
a
new
sector
in
clean
energy
and
advanced
R&D—bringing
hundreds
of
high-skill
jobs
for
scientists
and
engineers,
while
also
supporting
construction
and
trades
work
to
build
it.
Healthy
cities
are
a
mix
of
housing,
education,
recreation,
and
employment.
While
bold
plans
for
Alameda
Point
have
often
stalled,
this
project
stands
out
as
a
focused
first
step—with
defined
milestones
and
timelines
we
can
build
from.
This project is highly aligned with the city’s existing goals for Alameda Point, our General Plan, and our climate goals. The required infrastructure
investment
will
also
make
nearby
parcels
in
the
Enterprise
District
more
appealing
to
future
development.
A
stronger
tax
base
and
a
more
diversified
budget
will
also
be
a
boon.
As
the
City
enters
the
next
phase
of
negotiations,
we
urge
you
to
stay
firm
on
Alameda’s
long-term
goals.
With
Pacific
Fusion
weighing
Livermore
as
an
alternative
and
Hines
designing
for
flexibility,
it’s
critical
that
Alameda
secures
lasting
value.
This
site
should
strengthen
our
clean
energy
and
R&D
ecosystem—not
default
to
a
generic
commercial
use.
Public
land
must
deliver
public
benefit.
Fusion, Not Fission
We
understand
that
energy
projects
of
this
nature
can
raise
concerns.
But
this
is
not
fission.
It
uses
no
uranium
or
plutonium,
carries
no
risk
of
meltdown,
no
chain
reaction,
and
produces
no
long-lived
radioactive
waste.
Fusion
works
by
combining
atoms
at
very
high
temperatures,
and
if
those
conditions
aren’t
maintained,
the
reaction
simply
stops.
This
facility
is
not
a
power
plant—it’s
for
research
and
demonstration.
It
will
be
regulated
by
the
California
Department
of
Public
Health,
and
third-party
safety
assessments
have
shown
minimal
risk
to
the
surrounding
community,
even
under
conservative
scenarios.
The
state
also
requires
financial
guarantees
to
ensure
safe
decommissioning
when
the
time
comes.
These
protections
matter—and
should
be
kept
visible
to
the
public
as
the
project
advances.
Transparent
Progress
Pacific
Fusion
has
shown
a
welcome
commitment
to
transparency,
participating
in
public
hearings,
engaging
directly
with
residents,
and
working
closely
with
City
departments.
That
matters.
Bold
climate
action
must
be
built
on
public
trust.
The
path
to
a
clean
energy
future
should
be
lit
by
open
dialogue
and
grounded
in
local
values.
Alamedans
should
help
shape
the
direction—not
just
watch
it
unfold.
We
appreciate
Pacific
Fusion’s
community
approach
so
far,
and
urge
continued
vigilance
to
ensure
this
remains
an
ultra-safe,
transparent,
and
accountable
project
as
it
moves
forward.
The Changing Winds
As
an
island
city,
we
will
feel
the
impacts
of
climate
change
directly.
With
federal
climate
leadership
shifting
dangerously
off-course,
cities
like
ours
must
chart
our
own
future.
We
want
our
children
to
grow
up
in
a
city—and
a
nation—that
doesn’t
just
react
to
the
future,
but
helps
shape
it.
If
we
want
Alameda
Point
to
be
more
than
vacant
lots
and
unrealized
potential,
we
need
to
say
yes
to
opportunities
like
this,
ones
that
invest
in
our
land,
our
values,
and
our
people.
Let’s spark the future—right here, in Alameda.
Sincerely,
Thushan
Amarasiriwardena
,
product
manager
in
civic
tech,
parent
of
two
Kate
Stirr
,
policy
executive
in
climate
tech,
parent
of
two
Drew
Dara-Abrams
,
transportation
tech
entrepreneur,
parent
of
two
Ryan
Bird
,
clean
energy
consultant,
parent
of
two
Maria
Piper
,
technical
solutions
consultant,
parent
of
three
Sean
Noonan
,
startup
exec,
parent
of
two
Jason
Purdy
,
product
manager,
parent
of
two
Robin
Oliva-Kraft
,
product
manager,
parent
of
three
Downtown Alameda Business Association 2447 Santa Clara Ave, Suite #302 Alameda, CA 94501 Phone: (510) 523-1392 Off[email protected] 2025 Board of Directors
Ron Mooney President Tony Yu President-Elect
Sadia Kazi-Koya Past President
Steve Busse Treasurer
Sabrina Cazarez Secretary
Directors At Large
William Allen Naomi Berghoef Aaron Kraw
Committee Chairs
Shannon Marsdon Marketing Committee Outreach Committee Clean, Green & Safe Committee
Director Emeritus
Kyle Conner Donna Layburn
Staff
Kathy Weber Executive Director Allison Grant Membership & Events Alison Walker Membership & Events June 16, 2025 SUBJECT: 7-A 2025-5088 Support for Pacific Fusion Dear Honorable Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft and Members of the Alameda City Council, On behalf of the Downtown Alameda Business Association (DABA), I am writing to express our strong support for the proposed Pacific Fusion research and development facility at Alameda Point.
This project represents a transformative opportunity for our city. The billion-dollar capital investment by Pacific Fusion stands as one of the largest private investments in Alameda’s history and signals tremendous confidence in our community’s future. The facility is projected to create 250 high-quality, local jobs, along with additional work for construction and trades professionals—directly contributing to Alameda’s economic vitality.
Over the next ten years, the project is expected to generate approximately $120 million in combined sales, use, and property tax revenue—critical funding that can support essential city services and infrastructure. Importantly, the increased presence of a high-tech workforce and visiting partners is likely to result in more patronage of Alameda’s local businesses—our restaurants, retail shops, and service providers—further energizing the downtown district and the broader city economy.
Beyond direct economic impact, Pacific Fusion is breathing life into an underutilized area of Alameda Point. The project acts as a catalyst for continued redevelopment in the Enterprise District and paves the way for future investment by improving essential infrastructure. Their upgrades will not only serve the immediate site but will enhance connectivity and access for future businesses.
We are also encouraged by Pacific Fusion’s thoughtful and proactive engagement with the community. Their commitment to transparency and education—evidenced by public town halls and family-friendly events—illustrates a genuine desire to be a long-term, responsible neighbor. The facility is being designed with the highest safety standards and community considerations in mind, with no noise or vibration during operation, no continuous production activity, and minimal strain on the city’s power grid. Additionally, their approach to radiation safety and materials handling is in line with—or exceeds—the rigorous standards of federal and state regulators.
As Alameda continues to position itself as a regional hub for science, sustainability, and innovation, we believe that welcoming Pacific Fusion supports that vision. Their mission and operations align with Downtown Alameda’s values of environmental stewardship, responsible development, and inclusive economic growth.
We encourage the City Council to support this project and help realize its many long-term benefits for Alameda.
Sincerely,
Kathy Weber, Executive Director
From: Shelby S
To: Tod Hickman
Cc: City Clerk; Lara Weisiger; Tracy Jensen; Tony Daysog; Greg Boller; Michele Pryor; Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: PUBLIC COMMENT 6-17-25 Agenda 7A Pacific Fusion Date: Monday, June 16, 2025 3:16:53 PM
Dear Councilmembers and Madam Clerk,
I am writing to confirm that the recent correspondence submitted by Tod Hickman, in which I was cc'd and referenced (below), was sent with my full knowledge and authorization. I affirm that Mr. Hickman was speaking on my behalf, and I fully support the content and concerns expressed in that message.
Please include this confirmation in the official record and consider our positions as aligned in full.
Sincerely,
Shelby Sheehan
Alameda NAS Historic Preservationists
On Mon, Jun 16, 2025 at 2:40 PM Tod Hickman <[email protected] > wrote:
Alameda City Council,
In reference to the June 17, 2025 Agenda Item 7-A, Pacific Fusion; For the Public Record - We Object to this Project. Once again City staff are trying to illegally circumvent the CEQA process and fast track a project that in no way complies with conditions required for development at this site.
The 300-page report titled "City of Alameda Environmental Checklist For Streamlined Review", fails to adequately address the numerous issues related to CEQA, including, but not limited to;
1. This project at this location is a violation of the Regulatory Framework for Alameda Point.
2. This project is a violation of allowed uses at this location and violates the zoning code.
3. This project fails to comply with the 2014 EIR and previous governing actions for the Base, including the 1996 Base Reuse Plan.
4. This document misapplies non-existent CEQA exemptions to this location.
5. Numerous violations of Law are present throughout this document.
6. This document violates numerous government ethics and rules.
7. Numerous Violations of CEQA implementing procedures are present.
8. This document intentionally downplays the nuclear waste component of this project and fails to address the hazards of the actual NUCLEAR wastes produced.
9. There is no Responsible Agency listed for Nuclear Waste on the 2014 AP EIR so how possibly could this project be categorically exempt? Not possible.
10. Is The City Council reading these documents?
Respectfully,
Tod Hickman
and on behalf of Shelby Sheehan cc'd in this email
Alameda NAS Historic Preservationists
--
Shelby
510-435-9263
"The righteousness of the oppressed will not go unheard." From: Tod Hickman
To: City Clerk; Lara Weisiger; Tracy Jensen; Tony Daysog; Greg Boller; Michele Pryor; Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Shelby S
Subject: [EXTERNAL] PUBLIC COMMENT 6-17-25 Agenda 7A Pacific Fusion Date: Monday, June 16, 2025 2:40:39 PM
Alameda City Council,
In reference to the June 17, 2025 Agenda Item 7-A, Pacific Fusion; For the Public Record - We Object to this Project. Once again City staff are trying to illegally circumvent the CEQA process and fast track a project that in no way complies with conditions required for development at this site.
The 300-page report titled "City of Alameda Environmental Checklist For Streamlined Review", fails to adequately address the numerous issues related to CEQA, including, but not limited to;
1. This project at this location is a violation of the Regulatory Framework for Alameda Point.
2. This project is a violation of allowed uses at this location and violates the zoning code.
3. This project fails to comply with the 2014 EIR and previous governing actions for the Base, including the 1996 Base Reuse Plan.
4. This document misapplies non-existent CEQA exemptions to this location.
5. Numerous violations of Law are present throughout this document.
6. This document violates numerous government ethics and rules.
7. Numerous Violations of CEQA implementing procedures are present.
8. This document intentionally downplays the nuclear waste component of this project and fails to address the hazards of the actual NUCLEAR wastes produced.
9. There is no Responsible Agency listed for Nuclear Waste on the 2014 AP EIR so how possibly could this project be categorically exempt? Not possible.
10. Is The City Council reading these documents?
Respectfully,
Tod Hickman
and on behalf of Shelby Sheehan cc'd in this email
Alameda NAS Historic Preservationists
June 13, 2025
Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Members of the Alameda City Council
Re: Support for Pacific Fusion Project at Alameda Point
Dear Mayor Ashcraft and Members of the City Council,
On behalf of the West Alameda Business Association (WABA), I would like to express our support for the proposed Pacific Fusion project at Alameda Point.
As an organization dedicated to advancing economic vitality, sustainability, and community well-being in West Alameda and across the Island, we see great promise in this project. It offers a rare opportunity to bring innovative energy technology to our community while delivering substantial local benefits.
Pacific Fusion is projected to create hundreds of high-quality jobs and significant new economic activity — both of which will ripple through our small businesses and local workforce. The investment in core infrastructure at Alameda Point is equally important, helping to unlock an area of the city that holds tremendous potential for long-term growth.
Perhaps most exciting is the project’s alignment with our community’s environmental values. Advancing clean, safe energy solutions is essential to building a resilient future. Hosting a project of this caliber will further strengthen Alameda’s leadership in sustainability and innovation.
We also appreciate Pacific Fusion’s commitment to engaging with the local community and supporting educational opportunities in STEM — investments that will pay dividends for our young people and the broader region.
We hope the Council will move this project forward with an eye toward its broad potential for Alameda.
As always, WABA is ready to work alongside the City, and our partners to support opportunities that grow good jobs, foster innovation, and make our city even stronger.
Thank you for your leadership and consideration.
Sincerely,
Elissa Glickman
Executive Director
West Alameda Business Association
Pier 9, Suite 111, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111 T. 415.291.3377 F. 415.291.3388 www.SanFranciscoBayFerry.com
June 12, 2025
Mayor Ezzy-Ashcraft and City Council
2263 Santa Clara Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501
Via email:
Dear Mayor Ezzy-Ashcraft and City Council:
San Francisco Bay Ferry (SF Bay Ferry) strongly supports Pacific Fusion’s proposal to develop a renewable energy and clean tech R&D facility on Site B at Alameda Point. With facilities in Livermore and Fremont, Pacific Fusion is interested in constructing a one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art headquarters facility, which would include office, laboratory, and research and development space in which approximately 200 people would be permanently employed. The company is considering Alameda and one other East Bay location as finalists for this facility.
SF Bay Ferry, a service of the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), is a regional public transit agency tasked with operating and expanding ferry service on the San Francisco Bay and with coordinating the water transit response to regional emergencies. SF Bay Ferry carries approximately three million passengers annually utilizing a fleet of 19 high-speed passenger-only ferry vessels. SF Bay Ferry currently serves the cities of Alameda, Oakland, Richmond, San Francisco, South San Francisco, and Vallejo.
SF Bay Ferry supports increased employment opportunities within the City of Alameda, and specifically Alameda Point, as more jobs located in the City of Alameda means more potential ferry passengers to and from SF Bay Ferry’s three ferry terminals in Alameda. We appreciate the City of Alameda’s careful consideration of creating a vibrant, mixed-use development that supports thousands of jobs, attracts visitors, creating a thriving community with ferry service as the main form of public transportation.
The East Bay region is home to a dynamic and thriving innovation ecosystem. The region’s manufacturing legacy and leadership in multiple technologies create a unique synergy that promotes cross-disciplinary innovation, with growing R&D investments in biosciences, climatetech, semiconductors, food and beverage, and transportation. The diversity of these economic activities keeps the region thriving and growing.
Pacific Fusion’s expanded presence in the East Bay will create and increase green job opportunities in various sectors, including engineering, science, manufacturing, and research and development. The addition of Pacific Fusion to the Alameda Point community furthers the dynamic ecosystem at the Point as their goals complement the region’s climate action and resiliency efforts while bolstering economic development.
We encourage the City of Alameda to explore creating a catalytic investment with Pacific Fusion at Alameda Point.
Sincerely,
Seamus Murphy
Executive Director
From: Jeffrey Gould
To: City Clerk
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Item 7A, June 17 .. Why I"m opposed to Pacific Fusion at Alameda Point Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025 11:52:20 PM
Hello Ms Mayor, City Council members,
I hope you will read this important article on fusion reactors from the 'Bulletin of Atomic Scientists' - one of the most respected sources for information on nuclear issues:
https://thebulletin.org/2017/04/fusion-reactors-not-what-theyre-cracked-up-to-be/ While this Pacific Fusion project is being touted as clean energy, a source of revenue, jobs etc .. It's inappropriate due to the many undisclosed risks to our community, our security and our local environment. It represents too high a risk for our island and the surrounding area. These issues need to be addressed in public discussion not fast-tracked as is evident in the hastily prepared and wholy inadequate (CEQA) material within this agenda item.
-- Using our limited land resources that should be going to local clean energy research and production for this project -- a money laundering scheme masquerading as a high order tech promise with many instances of cost overruns, leaks, unattainable goals already behind it is not something we as a city should condone or be a host for.
Thank You,
- former AMP PUB commissioner Jeffrey Gould