Local Control of Alameda Point Development

By Frank Matarrese

Local control of Alameda Point redevelopment, focused on job creation and building Alameda's commercial tax base, is critical to Alameda's future

I am proposing that job creation and commercial/light industrial development at Alameda Point should be the primary re-use goals. They are in the best interests of Alameda because they answer concerns of our neighbors and build a sustainable future for our City's economy.

To meet this goal, the implementation of the new leasing polices which I requested in the last few months should be finalized in order to attract new businesses, increase investment in historic buildings by current and new tenants, and further the success of our business community currently located at Alameda Point.

I propose that we review the current Housing Element, including Alameda's Regional Housing Needs Assessment, so that we can set a common sense target for the number of new residential units in Alameda that both addresses the housing/jobs balance and meets City housing policy requirements.

I will work directly with the Navy, the Veterans Administration, the State Tidelands Trust and the Bay Area Congressional delegation regarding next steps, while placing regional job creation as a top priority.

There are a number of ways to meet these goals. As an alternative to having a Master Developer, I am requesting that the Council/ARRA evaluate an approach that creates a non-profit local development corporation, chartered and mandated by the City of Alameda, to facilitate implementing the plan for Alameda Point.

In these challenging times there are many reasons to feel uncertainty, but there is also great opportunity. We have a chance to re-use the former base for the benefit of Alameda and the region.