Vision for Alameda Point

By Stewart G. Chen

I would like to see a vibrant mixed-use development in Alameda Point.

There is a lot of potential in Alameda Point, but there is also the concern about the toxic wastes and hazardous materials that have been left there. My first step would be to clean up Alameda Point. Since I am not an expert in this matter, I would listen to the evaluation and recommendation of regulatory agencies, such as the EPA, but I would also proceed carefully and even err on the side of caution when humans and other living things are involved. However, I am optimistic that it can be done. As more and more technological discoveries are made, it is possible that the contamination can be cleaned up. For example, some plants have been known to clean up toxic materials in the soil while benefiting humans and other living things around them.

My second step would be to work out the development of Alameda Point in phases. This involves figuring out what needs to be done, which things go where, and when and how things need to get done to accomplish the vision that I have stated above. Then the third step would be to implement the plan. Implementation would involve working with the current tenants of Alameda Point and the PM Realty Group as well as other developers and business investors.

There is a current cap of 1,425 units and I believe that is a healthy number that can sustain the mixed-use development planned for Alameda Point. Site A with 68 acres of prime real estate is located within the Waterfront Town Center (WTC) and should be reserved for the residential/commercial mixed-used development project. The Council has limited the residential units on site A to 800 high-density units and the other 625 units should be spread out to the rest of Alameda Point. The actual development work would produce job opportunities in the city and the region. Once the area has been successfully developed and has attracted high level companies, it may produce hundreds if not thousands of office, service and tech jobs. I believe we should continue to encourage clean tech energy companies like Makani ( now Google) and Natel Energy to set up shop here in Alameda, especially at Alameda Point.