Alameda city council rejects a proposal to rescind Del Monte project

Alameda city council rejects a proposal to rescind Del Monte project

Alameda City council rejects a proposed to rescind Del Monte project’s prior approval.  The vote by the council was unanimous.  Mayor Spencer, who put the rescission discussion on the council’s agenda, voted against the repeal, saying concerns about the project could be addressed by the council in other way,” according to the Alamedan.

DEL MONTE DEVELOPMENT MAP

According to the Alamedan, Council members Marilyn Essy Ashcraft and Tony Daysog said they felt that even though there are concerns about the project, repealing the project did not outweigh the risk of rescinding the prior council’s approval.

Previously, the city was sued by SunCal Companies after council members opted not to extend an exclusive agreement to negotiate a development deal at Alameda Point.  The city may have been faced with another lengthy lawsuit if the rescission was approved by the Council.

Most of the speakers who spoke at the meeting opposed the proposal to rescind the development approval.  A minority of 13 speakers indicated they were in favor of the rescission.  Many still felt that the development proposal was pushed through too quickly and need more scrutiny.

DEL MONTE BUILDING

One speaker said, “You’re sending the wrong message to people that a deal in Alameda in not a deal”, according to the Alamedan.

John Piziali, a former Planning Board Member and current Historical Advisory Board member, said to Spencer, “Instead of trying to...bring the two sides together, it seems like you’ve decided to drive them further apart.  To go back over the past year and have the same battle all over again, or go to court - are you really going to win in the long run?  I don’t think you will.”

Ann Bracci summed up the feeling of a most of the attendees when she said, “The project has been studied to death.  It is time to move forward.  I’d like to see the project decided in my lifetime.”

Alameda is a wonderful island community, with its tree lined streets, friendly neighborhoods, great schools and lovely architecture.  I write about interesting and fun things to do in Alameda and issue affecting  Alamedans in my Living in Alameda blog.  If you would like more information about Alameda please call or text me at 510-504-5612.