From: Victor Bright
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Park Station Support
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 11:01:44 AM
Good afternoon,
I am writing today to express my support for the approval of the requested permit for Park Station and their request for live music.
This establishment has become a hub of social interaction in Alameda in the short time that it has been open. It has fulfilled a need that Alameda was lacking on the east side. Families are able to be outdoors, kids are able to have fun and adults are able to enjoy themselves.
Thank you,
Victor Bright
From: Leah Liebler
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for Outdoor Live Music at Park Station Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 10:52:12 AM
Dear Alameda City Council,
I’m writing to express my strong support for Park Station and its outdoor live music.
Park Station has been a meaningful addition to our community. It brings energy, connection, and a sense of joy to Park Street that has been missing for years. So much of Park Street has struggled with empty storefronts and reduced foot traffic, and this is one of the few places actively bringing people back, supporting not just their business but neighboring businesses as well.
I live a few short blocks away, within walking distance of Park Station, and I have never been disrupted by the music. In my experience, the activity adds to the neighborhood rather than detracts from it.
Living near a main road like Park Street comes with tradeoffs. It is our city’s central corridor, and with that comes activity, noise, and vibrancy. That is part of what makes a downtown thrive.
I encourage the Council to consider the broader impact:
- Local economic health. Increased foot traffic benefits surrounding businesses and helps keep Park Street viable.
- Downtown vitality. A lively, active corridor attracts residents and visitors and helps reverse the trend of empty storefronts.
- Community connection. Live music creates shared experiences that bring people together in a way few things do.
- Support for local artists. Spaces like this give musicians real opportunities to perform and connect with the community.
- Family-friendly environment. This is not just nightlife. Families attend, and it creates an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere.
- City identity. A vibrant Park Street reflects positively on Alameda and makes it a place people want to spend time.
The live music at Park Station creates a welcoming environment for families, friends, and neighbors to gather. Even my kids love it. It is rare to find places that genuinely bring this level of liveliness and connection to the community, and it is something Alameda has been missing for years.
Park Street is essentially our city’s main downtown. Expecting it to be quiet at all times does not align with the reality of a central commercial corridor. Activity, energy, and yes, some level of noise are part of what make these areas work.
At a broader level, decisions like this signal what kind of city Alameda wants to be.
Supporting small businesses that are actively investing in community building, drawing people in, and creating positive experiences should be a priority. Discouraging that kind of activation risks pushing Park Street further toward vacancy and stagnation.
It is difficult to understand efforts to restrict something that is clearly benefiting the wider community. Those seeking a consistently quiet environment have many other areas of Alameda that provide that. Park Street should be allowed to function as the lively, active downtown it is meant to be.
If anything, opportunities like this should be expanded, not limited. They bring people together, support local businesses, and add to the overall quality of life in Alameda.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Leah Liebler
Alameda Resident on Regent Street
From: Asa West
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for live music at Park Station Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 9:52:20 AM
Dear Council members,
My name is Åsa West. I am a resident of Alameda since 1995. I am writing in support of live music at Park Station in Alameda. This venue has added so much value to our community. We have met up with various friends from in and out of town on numerous occasions and always enjoyed our time here listening to music. It is fantastic that we have venue right down town Alameda where we can enjoy live music by talented bands and musicians.
I sincerely hope that this will continue going forward.
Thank you!
Åsa West
From: Kevin Durfee
To: Planning
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: noise complaint with Park Station 4/25 Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026 7:22:20 PM
Attachments: Screenshot 2026-04-25 at 8.45.40 PM.png
IMG_6259.MOV
Happened again today. Again, I'd like to make sure these infractions make it into the official record Please see video attached.
Thanks,
Kevin
On Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 8:49 PM Kevin Durfee <[email protected] > wrote:
Hi There,
Park statiion played past its 3 hour limit today. They began at 4 and they were still playing music very loudly as late at 7:30. Their website shows the scheduled time was 4-7 and the video attached clearly shows loud music being played at 730. As late at 8:30 they are playing music that violates the levels set in the noise ordinance (second attached video). As far as I know they are not allowed to play outdoor music without a permit.
I'd like this to be in the record at the May 5th hearing. Although there might have been some confusion about the measurement point for loudness levels during events, there should be no confusion about the time limits. This is the second time that I personally have found they played past their time limits and have documented evidence.
Thanks,
Kevin
Screenshot 2026-04-25 at 8.45.40 PM.png
IMG_6254.MOV
IMG_6253.MOV
From: Kevin Durfee
To: Planning
Subject: [EXTERNAL] noise complaint with Park Station 4/25 Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026 8:49:25 PM
Attachments: Screenshot 2026-04-25 at 8.45.40 PM.png
Hi There,
Park statiion played past its 3 hour limit today. They began at 4 and they were still playing music very loudly as late at 7:30. Their website shows the scheduled time was 4-7 and the video attached clearly shows loud music being played at 730. As late at 8:30 they are playing music that violates the levels set in the noise ordinance (second attached video). As far as I know they are not allowed to play outdoor music without a permit.
I'd like this to be in the record at the May 5th hearing. Although there might have been some confusion about the measurement point for loudness levels during events, there should be no confusion about the time limits. This is the second time that I personally have found they played past their time limits and have documented evidence.
Thanks,
Kevin
Screenshot 2026-04-25 at 8.45.40 PM.png
IMG_6254.MOV
IMG_6253.MOV
From: Athena Moghaddam
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for Park Street Station’s Noise Permit Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 8:34:02 AM
Dear Members of the Alameda City Council,
I’m writing to support Park Street Station and advocate for maintaining and expanding their noise permit.
When our family first moved to Alameda, this place hadn’t even opened yet but everyone was talking about it. I was genuinely excited to move to a neighborhood that felt alive. Park Street Station has delivered on that in the best way. It’s a joyful, family-friendly space where kids, neighbors, and local artists come together.
Their weekday events are especially important. Saturdays already bring traffic and activity, but Park Street Station creates that same vibrant energy throughout the week. It also brings people from outside Alameda into our town, supporting local businesses and contributing to our local economy.
I understand a nearby neighbor has concerns about noise, and I believe we as a community can help. We would support efforts to add noise protection to their home, whether through sound insulation or other measures, and I believe the community would participate as well. This feels like a solvable problem.
I respectfully ask that we not diminish something that brings so much joy and economic benefit to our city because of one concern. This is something our community truly values.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Athena Moghaddam
Alameda resident, mom and business owner
From: Claire Findley
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for Live Music at Park Station Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 10:45:02 PM
To whom it may concern,
I think we should continue to be able to enjoy live music at Park Station! It's a delightful option for after work and on the weekends. Having a place to be able to come together with friends and family in a comfortable local setting is so important. Music brings people together and in these trying times we need MORE places like this for people to socialize and build community.
Sincerely,
Claire Findley
--
Claire Findley
[email protected]
From: Ben Fong
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for Park Station
Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 6:37:58 PM
Hi City Council,
I wanted to write in support of allowing live music at Park Station. It has added so much life to our downtown area that it needs. We need to support our downtown area and Park Station is bringing life and foot traffic to Park St. That corner also needs some more foot traffic since there are many closed storefronts there and live music is rejuvenating that area of town. More people coming for live music means more people shopping at local alameda businesses and tax dollars.
I live nearby in Clinton Ave and am not bothered by any noise issues.
The live music is also good for families and I believe we need to support our downtown area which is vital to the character of alameda . Commercial areas are declining and we need to support them, not create more shuttered storefronts.
Ben Fong
From: Melissa Mahar
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] SUPPORT FOR LIVE MUSIC AT PARK STATION Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 4:34:04 PM
Attachments: Snip - 1203 Park Ave, Alameda, CA 94501 - Bing Maps and 26 more pages - Personal - Microsoft.png To Whom This May Concern:
Hi, I'm Melissa Mahar and live a 1203 Park Ave that shares the brick wall with Park Station. The live music is great and should continue at Park Station. Not only is it an artistic form that brings people (family and friends) together making everlasting memories for everyone involved. The noise from the live music whether inside or outside is never at a too loud volume at all because if I close my doors and windows, you barely can hear it at all. My neighbors directly next to me at 1201 and 1207 Park Ave agree with me and we enjoy sitting in our backyard or doing a project in our backyard while listening to the band that day. During that time the music is playing, it also keeps the homeless people from being in the area making a safer neighborhood.
It's not like they have a Dj blasting music from the turntables but real live bands with instruments. They have a variety of different kinds of bands keeping it diverse. The music seems to stop before 9pm which is an hour before sound ordinance.
Myself, my boyfriend Michael Richardson and my two neighbors all agree that the music should absolutely continue bringing happiness and togetherness within our community! Please allow Park Station to continue with the MUSIC! Sincerely,
Melissa Mahar
1203 Park Ave
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 467-9653
From: Lisa Leverton
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Live Music at Park Station
Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 12:41:56 PM
Honorable Council Members -
I write today to ask you to support continued live music at Park Station. I understand the concern of nearby neighbors. However, the limited hours of live music allowed are so short and the benefit/enrichment brought to the community is so great that I believe strongly it should be continued. Further, measured decibel readings taken in the surrounding neighborhood are well below allowable limits.
Please support this business who has brought our community together at a local place to gather. Without this type of food and entertainment within Alameda, people will leave the Island seeking the same.
Thank you for your support and service to the community.
Lisa Leverton
3261 Central Ave
510.459.3333
From: Daniel Tacci
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for Live Music at Park Station Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 11:53:15 AM
To Alameda City Council,
I am hugely in favor of Live Music in general and at Park Station in particular, and am very much in favor of expanding operations to do more!
Since opening, Park Station has been a huge boon to our city. It's created a gathering space for many in a space that was previously run-down, and turned it into a place where folks of all ages can attend. I've met new friends and faces and families and had the opportunity to listen to grea tmusic under the shade fo a tree with my loved ones.
The last part is particularly important because I've been lamenting the live musc options in Alameda for years. We have such a lovely city but so much of it is not utilized to it's potential, and for a very long while we didn't have a proper venue that would support it anyway. Park Station changed all that.
We now have a centrally-located, easily accessible location that honors the temperate climate we know and love and allow us to enjoy live music in the open air.
We should be EXPANDING our musical offerings, not limiting them! I would love to see MORE of this, not LESS!
Part of what keeps me going to Park Station is the live music - I love the jazz nights they have on Wednesdays, and on Saturdays having live music there is the draw that keeps me going to Park Station instead of competing places in Alameda, Oakland, and San Francisco.
Support local business, supprt live music, support artists, and support Alameda!!! - Dan Tacci,
Father of two artistic young girls and South Shore Resident --
[email protected]
650.823.2245
From: Peter Sinka
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for Live Music at PARK STATION Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 10:06:31 AM
Dear Members of the Alameda City Council,
I am writing to express my support for continuing live music at Park Street Station.
As a resident of Alameda, I have attended these events many times and see them as a meaningful addition to the community. The programming is free and open to everyone, creating an inclusive space where people can gather and enjoy performances by local bands. It has been refreshing to finally have a regular, accessible live music option here in Alameda.
These events are also modest in scope. They take place during daytime hours, typically only once or twice per week, and are limited in duration. In my experience, they are well within what would be considered reasonable for a vibrant, community-oriented commercial corridor.
These events also bring foot traffic to nearby Park Street businesses. For example, during a recent visit I walked over to a nearby bookstore during a break, and I saw many others doing the same.
Park Street is one of Alameda’s primary commercial streets, and the venue itself occupies a space that previously operated as a tire business. Given this context, a certain level of activity and sound is consistent with the character of the area. The current live music programming contributes positively to that character without being excessive.
Overall, these events enhance the sense of community, support local musicians, and make Alameda a more engaging place to live. I hope the City will continue to support and permit live music at this venue.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Peter Sinka
Resident and owner of 1090 Versailles Ave, Alameda
From: Marcus Carini
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I support Live Music at Park Station Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 7:18:37 AM
Dear City Council,
I wholeheartedly support the establishment of live music performances at Park Station. As a resident in the vicinity, I recognize this venue as a highly valued space for fostering community connections. In an era characterized by the loneliness crisis and our society’s inclination towards screens and AI for companionship, it is imperative that we create spaces like Park Station where people can rub elbows and create human experiences.
The scheduled performance time for the musicians at Park Station is limited to 7 p.m., which I believe will not significantly disrupt the community.
It is crucial that we do not allow a minority of individuals to undermine the positive impact that Park Station has on our community. By implementing measures that hinder the growth of small businesses, we risk driving out venues that undertake substantial risks and investments, thereby hindering economic growth.
Sincerely,
Marcus Carini
1016 Broadway
415-310-1671
May 3, 2026
Via E-Mail
Mayor Marilyn Ashcraft
Vice Mayor Michele Pryor
Councilmember Greg Boller
Councilmember Tony Daysong
Councilmember Tracy Jensen
Alameda City Council
2263 Santa Clara Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Henry Dong
Planner III
City of Alameda
Planning, Building, & Transportation Dept.
2263 Santa Clara Ave., Room 190
Alameda, CA 94501
[email protected]
Re: Supplemental Comment in Support of Appeal - PLN25-0649 Amended Use Permit for 1200 Park Street
Dear Mayor Ashcraft, Vice Mayor Pryor, and Honorable Councilmembers:
I am writing on behalf of Alameda resident Kevin Durfee regarding his appeal of the Alameda Planning Board’s approval of an amended use permit for Park Station Brewery. Park Station is located at 1200 Park Street, directly adjacent to a residential neighborhood and is surrounded by single-family homes. Mr. Durfee and his family live across the street from the brewery at 2416 San Jose Avenue.
Mr. Durfee appreciates the time and effort City Staff have put into understanding the issues raised in his appeal, and he agrees with Staff’s recommendations. The following comments are meant to provide additional context in response to the Staff Report and various letters submitted by Park Station. Mr. Durfee respectfully requests the City Council grant his appeal and adopt the resolution proposed by City Staff.
I. Denying the Appeal and Upholding the Use Permit Would Violate CEQA and the Municipal Code.
Mr. Durfee is hopeful that the City Council will follow the recommendation of Staff and grant his appeal and deny the amended use permit. As explained in our March 24, 2026 letter, if Use Permit Appeal - 1200 Park Street (Park Station Brewery) May 3, 2026
the City Council denies Mr. Durfee’s appeal and upholds the use permit approved by the Planning Board, it would do so in violation of CEQA and the municipal code.
First, approving the amended permit without analyzing and mitigating the significant noise impacts associated with louder and more frequent concerts violates CEQA. Contrary to the Planning Board’s determination, the amended use permit does not qualify for an exemption from CEQA under Guidelines section 15301 (existing facilities exemption) or section 15183 (projects consistent with general plan). Because neither exemption applies, the City was required to analyze and mitigate the amended permit’s significant noise impact.
Second, the amended use permit does not meet the standards for granting a use permit under Alameda’s municipal code. The use approved by the Planning Board, namely outdoor amplified music events with a maximum noise limit of 85 dBA at a residential receptor, multiple times per month, does not favorably relate to surrounding residential neighborhood. The extremely loud amplification levels would be detrimental to nearby residents and create a nuisance. (See AMC § 30-21.3(a).)
II. Mr. Durfee and His Neighbors Support Park Station and its Indoor Concerts.
Park Station can, and regularly does, host live music events in its large indoor space without violating the noise ordinance. This is a great way for the business to host live events and peacefully coexist with its neighbors. As we have said throughout this process, Mr. Durfee and his neighbors do not oppose the brewery, outdoor seating at the brewery, or even occasional music at Park Station. But it must do so in a way to complies with the noise ordinance and is harmonious with the adjacent residential neighborhood.
III. Enforcement By the City Will Be Necessary.
Given Park Station’s history of non-compliance with its existing use permit, enforcement of any permit approved will be imperative. At least during the four-month trial period, the City should take or review noise measurements at each outdoor live music event at Park Station. Mr.
Durfee and his neighbors should not be put in a position where they need to police the business and potentially have to file a lawsuit to enforce the use permit. Moreover, if violations are detected, there need to be consequences, including revocation of the permit. Neighbors should not have to wait until the City’s four-month review of the use permit to address violations of the permit conditions. If violations occur, there needs to be an immediate remedy.
IV. Changing the Noise Ordinance is Not a Simple or Viable Answer.
City Staff have suggested evaluating amendments to the noise ordinance to accommodate outdoor music in order to support a vibrant downtown. However, allowing amplified outdoor music is not a normal part of creating a vibrant downtown. Los Angeles, for example, does not allow amplified sound within 500 feet of residences. Similarly, San Francisco does not allow amplified sound to be audible at 250 feet. Of course, both cities have a vibrant city life. If the city is truly interested in creating a concert venue, there are ample industrial spaces in Alameda, Use Permit Appeal - 1200 Park Street (Park Station Brewery) May 3, 2026
particularly where the naval base used to be, that would be appropriate to host concerts, away from residences.
Moreover, changing the noise ordinance is not a simple task. The limits in the noise ordinance were not chosen arbitrarily. They represent levels that protect the health, safety, and welfare of Alamedans based on well-vetted studies. Raising permitted noise levels would require review under CEQA, along with mitigation, which may ultimately result in restrictions very similar to the current noise ordinance. Furthermore, allowing noise that is audible inside neighboring homes may expose the businesses to civil lawsuits, and could hinder the relationship between businesses and residents.
V. CONCLUSION
Mr. Durfee respectfully requests the City grant his appeal, refrain from approving the amended use permit, and require Park Station to comply with the noise ordinance. Failing to do so would violate CEQA and the City’s municipal code.
Sincerely,
Rebecca L. Davis
From: John West
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; [email protected]; [email protected] Cc: City Clerk; Asa West
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support For Live Music at Park Station Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 4:04:59 PM
> Hi, I’m writing to fully support unrestricted reasonable use of outdoor and indoor live music at Park Street Station. >
> I live close by in the neighborhood and have lived here for over 30years. I feel that Park Street Stations (PSS) live music, social beverages and food have been and are a very positive amenity to our neighborhood and live music sessions have always been held at responsible and non problematic sound levels. The property building was previously used as a Tire garage for sales and service that mostly catered to cranky, greasy and caoutonouc automotive clients. Now this thriving business space is being used to promote social interaction, good spirits and cheer, along with attractive live music. Yes to PSS Live music. >
> John West
> 901 Del Mar Ave
> Alameda CA 94501
> Sent from my iPhone
From: Jim Daly
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Park Station - an unfortunate noisy neighbor Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 2:11:25 PM
Dear Council Members,
I think it’s possible to enjoy live music and be concerned about the high volume of the regular concerts at Park Station.
I live about 100 yards from Park Station, on the far end of Chochenyo Park. When bands play outdoors, we can hear the music — and even make out lyrics — from that distance.
This is not a discussion about whether neighborhood noise levels matter: they already do. And it has unfortunately already been established that Park Station has repeatedly exceeded the limits it agreed to follow. Those limits, by the way, exceed those in the Alameda General Plan and are, bizarrely, derived from standards used on the Santa Monica Pier — a boisterous thoroughfare.
This is also not a debate about whether live music is good or bad.
It is a discussion about accountability and being a responsible neighbor.
I can't understand why the owners of Park Station can't see that the solution to this entire issue is simply to turn the volume down a few notches. Instead, they have conflated the matter and reframed it as a debate about live music itself.
I've contacted them several times and received no response. At this point, I don't believe they are being honest or sincere with the neighbors, the city, or even their own customers — whom they have misled into thinking this is a fight over the future of live music.
The amplified outdoor music at Park Station has a real detrimental environmental impact on the surrounding neighborhood. The solution is simple: turn the volume down. I’m not sure why the owners don’t understand that.
Sincerely,
James Daly
1224 Park Ave., Apt. C
Alameda, CA
From: Stuart Rickard
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Live Music is great
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 8:55:27 AM
Dear City Council Members,
As a near 30-year Alameda resident, I'm very glad that Park Station has live music. We have a vibrant Park Street environment and live music fits right in. It's great to see all of the independent bands having a venue where they can play and entertain the guests at Park Station!
It brings a smile to my face every time I walk by!
Sincerely,
Stuart
--
Stuart Rickard
981 Park Street, Alameda, CA 94501
From: Jim Daly
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Park Station - turn the music down! Save our neighborhood Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026 9:36:31 PM
Dear Council Members,
I live about 100 yards from Park Station, on the far end of Chochenyo Park. When bands play outdoors, we can hear the music — and even make out lyrics — from that distance.
This is not a discussion about whether neighborhood noise levels matter: they already do. And it has unfortunately already been established that Park Station has repeatedly exceeded the limits it agreed to follow. Those limits, by the way, exceed those in the Alameda General Plan and are, bizarrely, derived from standards used on the Santa Monica Pier — a boisterous thoroughfare.
This is also not a debate about whether live music is good or bad.
It is a discussion about accountability and being a responsible neighbor.
I can't understand why the owners of Park Station can't see that the solution to this entire issue is simply to turn the volume down a few notches. Instead, they have conflated the matter and reframed it as a debate about live music itself.
I've contacted them several times and received no response. At this point, I don't believe they are being honest or sincere with the neighbors, the city, or even their own customers — whom they have misled into thinking this is a fight over the future of live music.
The amplified outdoor music at Park Station has a real detrimental environmental impact on the surrounding neighborhood. The solution is simple: turn the volume down.
I think it’s possible to enjoy live music and be concerned about the high volume of the regular concerts at Park Station. I’m convinced that these problems could be solved if Park Station just reduced the volume of the bands a few notches. I’m not sure why the owners don’t understand that.
Sincerely,
James Daly
1224 Park Ave., Apt. C
Alameda, CA
From: Stephen McHale
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] In support of Park Station
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026 7:30:09 PM
Hi Dear City Council Folks,
I'm writing to contribute my opinion that Park Station is a valuable part of Alameda's community life. We need more shared spaces like this. When I go there I see young families, retired people, dogs, and everything in between. And I love the music! Live music is so rare these days. It brings people joy. It encourages people to dance. And they don't even charge a cover. I strongly support allowing Park Station to run its business unobstructed by a small number of Eeyores. Thank you.
-Stephen
--
Stephen McHale
510-220-5663
[email protected]
From: Sam W
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for live music at Park Station Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026 7:16:08 PM
To whom it may concern:
We support live music of all kinds in the East Bay and we are very interested in promoting outdoor live performances, especially during the warmer months. We enthusiastically encourage continued outdoor live music at Park Station in Alameda.
We hope this is allowed to continue, and we encourage the city council to allow other outdoor music venues to be established in Alameda.
We live about 15 minutes from Park Station and we think it is a great spot to gather for food, drink, music and socializing. Taking outdoor live music out of the picture would make us really sad.
Sincerely,
Sam and Naomi Weinstein
Maxwell Park
Oakland
From: Elissa Glickman
To: City Clerk
Cc: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tracy Jensen; Greg Boller; Marie Ortega; Tony Daysog; Michele Pryor Subject: [EXTERNAL] Council Item 265951
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026 12:15:27 PM
Dear Mayor Ashcraft and Members of the City Council,
I’m writing on behalf of WABA, to address council item, 26-5951.
The staff report acknowledges the City’s goals to promote Park and Webster Streets as “iconic and vibrant Main Streets,” yet the recommendation before you effectively defaults to restriction—limiting outdoor music to what is functionally inaudible—without fully examining how other cities successfully balance these same conditions.
Cities across California—many denser and more complex than Alameda—have already solved versions of this.
They have developed tools that allow for outdoor activation, live music, and community programming while managing impacts on nearby residents. These include:
* Time, place, and frequency frameworks tied to district context * Ambient-based noise standards rather than fixed caps
* Event permitting tiers and seasonal allowances
* Clear enforcement protocols paired with predictable allowances * Design and mitigation strategies that reduce impacts without eliminating activity None is reflected here. Instead, we are being asked to make a decision that has broader implications for the future of our commercial districts—based on a narrow reading of the current ordinance and a single use case.
That approach misses the larger reality:
Spaces like Park Station—and in West Alameda, Webster Park—are not simply bars, restaurants, or parking lots.
They are community anchors. They create reasons for people to come into our districts, stay longer, and spend locally.
And that matters.
Foot traffic drives revenue.
Revenue sustains small businesses.
Small businesses are what make these districts worth protecting in the first place.
If we overcorrect in favor of restriction without understanding how to manage activation properly, we will continue to struggle with vacancies, reduced visitation, and underperforming commercial corridors.
To be clear—this is not about dismissing resident concerns. Those concerns are real and should be addressed.
But the answer is not to shut down activation.
The answer is to design it better.
I am asking the Council to direct staff to:
1. Conduct a comparative analysis of how peer municipalities manage outdoor music, events, and activation in mixed-use commercial districts
2. Identify best practices that balance economic vitality with residential livability
3. Return with actionable policy options—not just future study—including pilot frameworks that could be implemented in the near term
4. Provide clarity on timing for both this work and the broader zoning and noise ordinance updates This is a solvable problem—but only if we approach it at the right scale.
Right now, we are reacting to a symptom.
What’s needed is a system.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Elissa Glickman, Executive Director of the West Alameda Business Association From: Geoff Bunger
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support Live Music at Park Station
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026 11:13:59 AM
Resident and fully support this. Would be a major step back in this town if stop supporting the arts and local businesses. You will be remembered as a council and wont be forgotten next election if you restrict or ban live music here.
Geoffrey M Bunger
From: Ken Smith
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for Live Music at Park Station Date: Friday, May 1, 2026 10:35:57 AM
Dear Mayor and City Council,
I’m writing to support Park Station and the continued use of live music on Park Street.
This block has completely changed. What used to feel like vacant storefronts now has real energy, with families walking, people gathering, and businesses seeing more activity. This area has struggled with vacant buildings, and Park Station is helping turn that around by bringing activity, foot traffic, and a sense of life back to the block.
With more people out and about, there’s also a greater sense of awareness from drivers, which helps create a safer and more active environment overall.
This isn’t just about live music. It’s about bringing people together and supporting small businesses. Park Station has contributed to the community through fundraising efforts and by creating local jobs at a time when that matters.
I support maintaining the current conditions and ensuring they are followed, and if the business continues to operate within those guidelines, I would support extending the permit.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ken
From: Peter Weber
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support For Live Music at Park Station Date: Friday, May 1, 2026 8:18:59 AM
Dear Alameda Council Members,
I’m writing to share my support for live outdoor music at Park Station and to encourage you to consider the broader community perspective.
I understand that some residents have concerns about noise. That said, the music ends at a reasonable hour—8 PM—and the volume has consistently felt appropriate, often no louder than everyday street noise like car stereos or passing traffic. Also, it's not every night.
For my family, Park Station has become a meaningful place where we can enjoy time together outdoors while listening to live music. Opportunities like this are rare. Many live music events are expensive, far away, age-restricted, or run late into the evening. Park Station offers something accessible that fits the rhythm of our community and family life.
It also plays an important role in supporting local artists by providing a literal platform while keeping events free for the public. That accessibility matters and helps create a more inclusive community experience.
As a musician and music lover, I especially value having a space like this within walking distance of my home. It brings people together in a way that feels authentic and positive.
I hope you’ll consider the many residents who support Park Station and what it brings to our city. With empty storefronts still present on Park Street, it’s important that we support businesses that are investing in our community rather than creating barriers for them.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Peter Weber
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Peter J. Weber
[email protected]
From: Betsy Mathieson
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] City Council May 5, 2026, Agenda Item 7-A, Park Station Date: Friday, May 1, 2026 5:02:28 AM
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:
The public notice for the February 2023 Planning Board hearing for the future Park Station taproom mentioned the business would present outdoor live music. It did not state that the music would be amplified. I attended the hearing to speak in support of the project. After hearing the applicants’ presentation stating that the outdoor music would be amplified, I softened my support and objected to the fact that the neighbors had not been notified that the music would be amplified. I said that if they had, more would likely be present and expressing their concerns.
The comments I presented at the February 2026 Planning Board hearing (see forwarded email below) still represent my views. I subsequently visited the SacYard Community Tap Room (owned by the same team as Park Station) and enjoyed a pomegranate cider.
Upon seeing the location of SacYard, however, I wanted to cry. First because its neighborhood is industrial – so different from Alameda’s Park Street district that I wondered how the proprietors ever could have thought a loud outdoor music venue like SacYard would fit into our neighborhood. Second because I genuinely like Park Station and feared it wouldn’t be able to succeed financially without loud outdoor live music.
SacYard is across the street from Bertolucci’s Body & Fender, “one of the largest in northern California.” The properties immediately adjacent to SacYard are occupied by University Dialysis clinic, Capitol Jiu Jitsu studio, the vacant former Muzio Bakery complex, and a brownfields vacant lot. Beyond those parcels are Sutter Medical Plaza, Stockton Boulevard -- a major arterial street backed by a former Libby McNeill & Libby cannery converted to “offices and commerce,” an electrical substation, and Western Feed & Pet Supply. The nearest houses are a half a long block away from the back of the SacYard stage, which is backed by a corrugated metal fence.
Alameda’s Park Station is like a family member with a bad habit – playing music too loud. We still love that family member but look forward to their overcoming their bad habit.
The amplified outdoor live music at Park Station has an environmental impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Unlike many impacts considered elsewhere under CEQA, the noise impact is measurable. It is also easy to mitigate. Just turn the volume down.
Thank you for your consideration.
Betsy Mathieson
1185 Park Avenue
Alameda
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Betsy Mathieson <[email protected]>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 08:29:27 AM PST
Subject: Planning Board Jan. 23, 2026, Agenda Item 5-B
Honorable Board Members:
I commend Park Station’s owners, designers, and contractors for converting a downtown Alameda eyesore into a thriving example of adaptive reuse of an old building. Park Station / Southie restaurant is one of our family’s new favorites for our frequent dinners out in the neighborhood. The cheerful voices, sounds of children playing, and occasional outdoor music at Park Station are a welcome replacement for the buzz of lug wrenches and blare of intercom announcements from the old tire repair place.
Park Station’s outdoor music fills our backyard with happy sounds. I find myself singing along. One afternoon I was enjoying the music so much that I put away my gardening tools and walked over to Park Station for an IPA and a grilled cheese sandwich. But when listening to the music from our backyard I also found myself laughing nervously – how can this be allowed in a residential area? – what about the neighbors who live closer, for whom the music must be annoyingly loud? There are two houses and a street between our house on Park Avenue and Park Station, the stage faces away from our house, and still we can hear many of the lyrics clearly from our backyard. I wonder about the neighbors who want to select their own playlists for backyard birthday parties and other family gatherings rather than have Park Station’s event bookings determine the entertainment at their homes.
I reflect upon the fact that most of Park Station’s first 6 months of operation have been during the chilly season, when we neighbors have had our windows closed.
This spring and summer when we have our windows open, the music will follow us indoors making it difficult to concentrate (as did the Dixieland jazz trumpets, trombones, and drums during a Mardi Gras event at Park Station last week, even with our windows closed).
I urge you to hold the maximum allowable noise level at 85 dBA, at most. If the number of events per month is allowed to increase, the maximum allowable noise level should be reduced. Ten events per month would be essentially every weekend evening. The atmosphere of our neighborhood would be governed by a single Park Street business. We would be subjected to a noise nuisance that every seller of property would have to disclose.
Thank you for your Board’s foresight in allowing this creative use of a former automotive facility and, in advance, for allowing it to continue – but with, I hope, reduced impacts on our neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Betsy Mathieson
1185 Park Avenue
Alameda
From: alamedagrl
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] In support of Park Station live music! Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026 5:26:17 PM
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to formally share my support for the live music program at Park Station.
As a direct neighbor living immediately behind the premises, I have found their music program to be very well-managed and respectful of the surrounding community. The volume levels are appropriate; I cannot hear the music inside my home at all, and while it is audible in my garden, it is never intrusive. Furthermore, the performances wrap up in the early evening, ensuring that there is no impact on noise levels at night.
I am very pleased to have such considerate tenants in the neighborhood and fully support the continued growth of their live music program.
Best regards,
Alanda Orozco
From: Natalie Lewis
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] SUPPORT FOR LIVE MUSIC AT PARK STATION Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026 4:44:42 PM
Dear Members of the Alameda City Council,
I am writing as an Alameda resident who lives at 1190 Park Avenue, in support of Park Station Brewery and the continued allowance of live music at 1200 Park Street.
I value the energy, community connection, and economic support that live music and local gathering spaces bring to our neighborhood. When managed responsibly, these activities are a meaningful asset to Alameda’s Park Street area.
I respectfully encourage the City Council to support a balanced outcome that allows Park Station Brewery to continue hosting live music with appropriate safeguards in place.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Natalie Lewis
(She/her/hers)
Phone: (510) 566-2627
Email: [email protected]