On Monday, the Planning Board — in a joint meeting with the Economic Development Commission — will be concentrating their efforts on the West End by reviewing the Webster Street Vision and implementation suggestions, considering approval of Municipal Code amendments to aid in the implementation of some of the suggestions in the Webster Street Vision, and discuss some of the issues that might arise when Catellus submits a revised plan for Alameda Landing.
For the first item, staff is suggesting that the West Alameda Business Association (WABA) oversee the process of implementing the new vision and take the lead on this. While a novel approach, it would hinge on a largely volunteer contingent to be responsible for doing what lots of people get paid to do. And, more recently, because of a reduction in funds, WABA has had to eliminate their Executive Director position thereby letting go of probably the biggest booster for Webster Street and the West End in general.
But, City staff has moved the process forward, somewhat, by suggesting the adoption of Municipal Code Amendments which would help realize some of the more significant suggestions in the Webster Street Vision. The first amendment would allow the use of portable A frame signs on the sidewalk within the front 2.5 feet on the sidewalk as long as the business owner gets a permit.
The second amendment would increase the building height from three stories (40′) to five stories (60′) on one block of Webster where the Days Inn currently is. So that the massing for that building could be something like this:
The third amendment would allow for a 60′ tower or monument to be built at the southern end of Webster Street. The idea, in the Webster Street Vision, is to be a visual anchor on the street. A concept drawing looks something like this:
It’s meant to echo the look of the Neptune Beach tower of old:
And finally, the Planning Board will be asked to comment and bring up any issues: past, present and future about the Alameda Landing project. Catellus has promised that they will be bringing back new plans for the site — the biggest things will be the incorporation of the Target they are current in negotiations with, revision of the waterfront plans because of the issues with the pilings under the wharf area, and revising the plan for the 5th street corridor to use the new Density Bonus Ordinance to incorporate multifamily units to that thoroughfare as opposed to single family homes.
If you plan on going, please note that this joint meeting will be held at Otaez and not at City Hall.
The recent past attempts at promoting Webster Street didn’t really click for me. I attended several events like the Wine Walk and the Jam and they were so-so. The area needs a unique identity. What works for Park Street is not what fits best with Webster. Putting the Farmer’s Market there was a good start. The Park Street district has Dan’s Produce and The Marketplace, so it makes sense to have it on Webster. I think the volunteers may bring more to the table in the long run. The Executive Director salary can be put to better use if you have the right team in place. I like the idea of the tower, but it should be a replica of the Neptune Beach one and not just echo it in the design. From its origins with Croll’s, the railroad, Neptune Beach and the Naval Air Station, Webster is more grit than glam. Grit doesn’t have to be sleazy or shabby. The area should play up history, value, and fun.
Comment by Denise Shelton — March 28, 2011 @ 6:35 am
Looking at the visioning picture of the building at the Days Inn site I would wonder if the parking would be on that site also. The area has very high traffic flow and very little street parking.
The other big concern is to place the visioning process on the backs of many small business owners without the staff support of professionals. I would also agree that they would need some sort of leadership to help steer things in a specific direction.
Hopefully it will all happen because Webster Street really needs the help of the entire city not just the West End.
Comment by John P. — March 28, 2011 @ 8:51 am
I like many aspects of this current update of the Webster Renaissance Project in which I had a small role. The fact that this update is taking place at all is a testament to former WABA ED Kathy Moehring, who applied for and received the funding to proceed with this project.
The City’s emphasis on WABA (a group of capable and dedicated volunteers) taking the lead on this is financially understandable but it reeks of the second-class status to which the West End is historically relegated in official city decisions.
Would the planing staff recommend a similar approach to an equivalent project on Park Street? Even if they did, PSBA has more paid staff capable of administering and shepherding such a process than WABA, so the inequity remains.
Denise’s characterization – “more grit than glam” – is more accurate if it is applied to all of the City of Alameda, and not just to Webster Street. We are a Target kind of town, not a Nordstrom’s community, after all. There is plenty of “grit” on Park Street and at Alameda Point, too. I resent the implied slight to the West End that her remark implies.
I agree with John Piziali’s comments above.
Comment by Jon Spangler — March 28, 2011 @ 9:21 am
As usual, I totally agree with Denise and John. But first, the points on which I disagree.
First the jam is great. Much prefer it to the PS things (seems like PS has one every two months in the summer). WS jam is much more homey and Websterish. So I hope it’s not messed with. And the Crab Cove concerts should be weekly instead of monthly during the summer. They’re great. Wine thing, didn’t attend. Plenty of wine at or near the Point.
Second, WS doesn’t need input from PS on how to do their thing. If fact we’d probably be better off doing the opposite they suggest. It’s a fantastic to have WABA lead and to scrap the myriad restrictions that encumber anything creative that is tried in this city. I would suggest that somehow they find a way to reinstall Kathy. A real dynamo for WS.
Third. I don’t know what ‘play up history’ means. People of the historical eras made WS what it was. Those people are gone and reminiscing is fine but let’s make WS a present image of what it is.
Comment by Jack Richard — March 28, 2011 @ 9:26 am
All great comments!
Comment by Tony Daysog — March 28, 2011 @ 9:44 am
Jack, I couldn’t agree with you more on the “Jam” we have worked hard to make it homey and have its own image, (Kathy I should say). The concerts draw people from all over not just the West End, and that is a good thing.
My only concern with your second point would be that I would hate to see a committee do a lot of work only to find out that they made a misstep somewhere along the line and then have to start over on some issue. So let me put it this way, perhaps staff could offer technical assistance as requested by the committee.
Third point dead on.
Comment by John P. — March 28, 2011 @ 10:00 am
I agree with John Piziali’s comments that we need some leadership in the implementation of the Webster Street Vision.
The Park Street Visioning committee (pre-theater), with the help of city staff took the community vision and laid out a plan to implement the vision. The plan took several years to take it from a vision to implementation, but would not have been successful without the guidance and the resources of city staff.
Comment by Karen Bey — March 28, 2011 @ 10:53 am
I can’t help but also comment on the Catellus presentation. This I believe would be the third or fourth, each one has gone down hill since the first presentation which was pretty nice. The docks will be gone and some sort of marsh would replace them. I wonder if they are still planning on the re-use of some of the old buildings. Its beginning to look like they are hanging their hat on the Target store to save their project. Don’t forget that there is a Target store within about 5 miles of the proposed one. We will find out more tonight.
Comment by John P. — March 28, 2011 @ 11:47 am
The original Catellus plan was great and received a lot of community support, but a lot of the original plan has fallen by the wayside due to the costs to implement the plan. We also lost Cliff Bar on their watch because the development was taking so long to get off the ground. This will be the third or fourth revision to the plan — and my understanding is that it will be anchored by a super Target store – about 140,000 sq ft.
Comment by Karen Bey — March 28, 2011 @ 12:16 pm
Instead of blogging here,why don’t y’all come, have a margarita & give your input directly to the Planning Board? You too, Lauren!
Comment by alameda vigilante — March 28, 2011 @ 12:42 pm
3. Jon, where would we be without you routinely taking offense where none was intended, based on your limited interpretations of the English language? Grit is a good thing. Did you see the movie?
Comment by Denise Shelton — March 28, 2011 @ 1:14 pm
Oakland has a College Ave, a Piedmont Ave, and a Lakeshore Ave, and all three neighborhood districts offer unique shopping experiences. Why should Alameda settle for anything less?
Perhaps “grit” describes the old Webster Street when the sailors were rampant, but they left with the closure of the Navy, and we have an opportunity to create something new.
I like the Neptune Beach theme going forward – which is an important part of its history that can be reclaimed with the replication of the tower.
Comment by Karen Bey — March 28, 2011 @ 1:50 pm
Vigilante,,,I’ll be there using my real name, what about you, or is that your real name.
Comment by John P. — March 28, 2011 @ 2:50 pm
12
“…the old Webster Street when the sailors were rampant,…”
What’s your point of using that gritty slur, or do you not know what the word means?
Comment by Jack Richard — March 28, 2011 @ 5:28 pm
When used in context to describe a neighborhood or Webster St — the words strong, tough, determined come to mind, and these words don’t necessary describe the new vision the community has created for Webster St.
I referenced the sailors because when I first moved to Alameda, I was told from folks that lived on the East End that they were afraid to come to Webster St because of the sailors, the bars, etc. Some even told me that mostly transients live on the West End —and a good friend of mine who has moved away told me she was raised to never go past Lincoln St because of the sailors, etc. But all of these stories I’m sure you’ve heard if you’ve lived in Alameda for any length of time.
This is the story we’ve been telling for generations — which is why the Webster Street Visioning process is so important and vital for the West End.
Comment by Karen Bey — March 28, 2011 @ 5:53 pm
Jesus! The slur is your use of the word “rampant” in describing sailors on Webster St. It’s that word that is a “slur”.
ram·pant (rmpnt)
adj.
1. Extending unchecked; unrestrained: a rampant growth of weeds in the neglected yard.
2. Occurring without restraint and frequently, widely, or menacingly;
And then this: “This is the story we’ve been telling for generations — which is why the Webster Street Visioning process is so important and vital for the West End.”
Maybe you should consider quit repeating that bullshit.
Comment by Jack Richard — March 28, 2011 @ 6:06 pm
Here is an area where you and I agree, Jack. We have lived more toward the West end than Park St. for over 35 years, and even when the Navy was more present, Webster St. was never as “scary” as the East Enders portrayed. What I think really was on their minds that there have traditionally been more minority folks on this end, and the City for years built low income projects fairly exclusively west of Webster. So all that plus the Navy differentiated the “nice” part of town from the “part of town that scares us.” I recall we had one office holder report that she did not go to Webster St. because she “wanted my children to continue to have a mother.” Hunh? And this was after the Navy had left.
This is one town; there is no “real” Alameda vs “the Alameda where the scary people live”. It is as important for us to recognize the whole of our community as worthy and potentially contributing.
I like the idea of “theming” the vision as there are many interesting historical, very “old Alameda” remnants to build on and form some sort of cohesiveness to the street, from Atlantic to Central. This does not mean going cutesy or having “shoppes”; it does mean having locally owned, community appropriate shops and restaurants with nice facades and easy walkability.
Comment by Kate Quick — March 28, 2011 @ 6:29 pm
Hey, Jack I like that image of Webster St. We are sailors and transients, and you folks from the East End better stay out of our neighbourhood or we’ll kick your ____. Sounds pretty good don’t it.
Comment by John P. — March 28, 2011 @ 6:30 pm
Oh no you too. Come on Kate we are tuff and dirty down here in the West End. I’ve been here for 67 years and I’m gonna die here with my boots on. Every person that I knew or went to school with has moved to the other end of town, I won’t leave here even if I win the Lotto.
Comment by John P. — March 28, 2011 @ 6:34 pm
After hearing the east end’s beliefs (which, like Kate said, we’ve all heard this before) I think you may have a point, John. If this revisioning means making WS, PS west…I ain’t for it!
Comment by Jack Richard — March 28, 2011 @ 6:50 pm
I lived west of Webster for over 40 years. My kids went to school west of Webster, my daughter teaches west of Webster, my grandkids go to school west of webster
We moved to The west end from Fernside blvd because we believed that it was important for out children to grow up prepared to live in a diverse world.
When the navy was here and military children attended schools in the West End the military families played an important part in the schools and were part of the community.
Comment by barbara kahn — March 28, 2011 @ 6:57 pm
If we are going to bring back the “Neptune” era, let’s start by getting a ***real swimming pool*** in this town. The current state of our swimming pools is such a travesty that we don’t deserve any kind of Neptune them at this time.
Comment by Jack B. — March 28, 2011 @ 7:09 pm
Theme, that’s Neptune Theme. Can’t type worth a crap these days.
Comment by Jack B. — March 28, 2011 @ 7:09 pm
You’re right Jack. Too bad they can’t tear all the stuff down from the foot of Webster to the Bay and integrate Crab Cove into a real nice Neptune rebirth.
Comment by Jack Richard — March 28, 2011 @ 7:23 pm
How would you feel about a Neptune rebirth at Alameda Point? Myrtha makes some badass above ground pools.
http://www.myrthapools.com/piscine-myrtha-design.asp
Comment by Jack B. — March 28, 2011 @ 7:51 pm
And how about we put a cell phone receiver in that Webster Street tower?!! I’m tired of having to pay for a landline because the cell reception is so bad in this town because of the height limit. And as for Webster Streets “rep”, seems to me that I read about a lot more muggings on Park Street than on Webster Street.
Comment by LindaonOtisSt — March 28, 2011 @ 9:02 pm
O.K. Barbara, you qualify as a true West Ender because to me you have to live West of Webster to really count. Also to have moved from Fernside to the West End is a real positive.
By the way Tony I’ll give you that same status because you are so close and were raised below Webster.
LindaonOtisSt. SSSHHHH. are you trying to ruin our “rep”.
Comment by John P. — March 28, 2011 @ 9:34 pm
So Vigilante. I looked at all the speaker slips but I never saw your name. post# 10
Comment by John P. — March 28, 2011 @ 9:38 pm
“…you have to live West of Webster…”
Ease up John, West Ender is an attitude not location. I could say you’re not one because you didn’t live on the base. After all, the base was here since you were in diapers. But we know you are a W Endr so give the wannabees some slack.
Comment by Jack Richard — March 28, 2011 @ 9:49 pm
Thanks, John. Nice seeing you tonight at the Webster St. meeting. You made very good points. Yeah, I think the thing that I’d like to say is that I’m with Barb K.: let’s define revitalizing Webster Street as a revitalization that accentuates and builds on the incredible income, racial, and sexual orientation diversity in and around the West End.
And, frankly, I think that’s something the Planning Board does indeed get, as I recall last year many using positive phrases like maintaining Webster’s eclecticism, funkiness and, my word, multicultural flavor.
Let me give a specific example: I could buy pots and pans and stuff for my kitchen from the basement of Macy’s in SF or Williams Sonoma in downtown Walnut Creek, pricey though that may be, but I choose to buy (here and there) from the, yep, the 99 cent store on Webster.
See, in my way of thinking, revitalization “victory” occurs when we work with the owners of the 99 cent store (who, I believe, are of Middle Eastern or West Asian descent) to keep their store operating, but maybe with improvements here and there (signage, etc). This will take time, and access to professional technical assistance providers like SCORE volunteers who can give financial and store management advice at low cost. For Webster Street as a whole, “victory” occurs when we all work together — existing store owners from all walks of life, lenders, the city, WABA, and, you and me as shoppers, working together to keep Webster going.
Sure, we could try to import chi chi things from outside onto Webster Street proper, attempt to transform Webster into something like, dare I say, Park Street. But, I just feel we’d lose Webster’s soul — the thing that makes it different, about which we are (in our own way) proud. Tattoo parlor on Webster? Darn tooting right, and it’s there to stay. Comix store. That, too. Various Chinese restaurants, Filipino joint, and Japanese restaurants! Love ‘em.
Let Park Street be Park Street. Let them battle for the hearts and minds of shoppers wo like palces like d’town Walnut Creek or 4th Street Berkeley or SF. Dont get me wrong: I love Park Street, too, and, yes, my fellow Alamedans, I did my heavy lifting for the street, too; but what works for Park Street is what works for Park Street.
But, let us remember: Webster St. can be eclectic, multicultural, locally-owned and -run — and also clean and safe. So, let us not mistake the former attributes we all love as an excuse to not insist on high expectations.
But, really, setting aside all these plans and visions momentarily: it really starts with us. If you’re going to spend $100 in discretionary spending a month, why not commit to spending 15 to 20 percent of that on Webster, at a minimum. At Dominicos (where yesterday I just had a great sanwhich). At Wes Cafe. Or the Farmers’ Market. Get to know Jay (Santos Liquor at Taylor and Webster) or Emma (Haight and Webster corner store): buy your cokes or chips or (mon dieu) beer from them — maybe there’s a markup there that you’re not charged at Costco or Safeway, but, whatever.
It starts with us. We can hire all these great consultants or get staff to focus alot of time on Webster or pass this or that legislation, but if we (whether we’re West Enders or not West Enders) are not making a commitment of, say, spending 15% to 20% (or **whatever** percentage that’s right for you) of our discretionary spending we make anyways elsewhere in town at Webster, well, that just makes it that much harder to get things moving along.
But this holds especially for West Enders, because, in the end, Webster Street is by definition (to use economic development planning terms) a neighborhood-serving commercial district. So, men, get your hair cut at Dicks or by Al or Nick! And women, well, uh, there’s a lot of salons to choose from – take your time in finding the right one for you
Comment by Tony Daysog — March 28, 2011 @ 10:37 pm
Actually Jack you are right in that being a West Ender is more a frame of mind than anything else. I just love to B.S. sometimes. Tony lays it all out in post #30.
Don’t forget today is FARMERS MARKET. 9:am to 1: pm
Comment by John P. — March 29, 2011 @ 7:29 am
30
And get a pedicure at Nail Boutique around the corner on Central and a haircut in the Neptune SC and get laid at Johnnys…oops, sorry strike that last one, this ain’t the 60′s no more
Comment by Jack Richard — March 29, 2011 @ 9:22 am
AHHH. Johnnys, what a wonderful place for 19 year olds to have fun. It was good while it lasted.
Comment by John P. — March 29, 2011 @ 10:27 am
To most of you I’m a newcomer to the island, but in my four years here I’ve seen enough promising businesses start and fail on Webster due to lack of business.
Seems like there aren’t enough people living in the West end, overall, to sustain a healthy business district on Webster St. for its entire length. And I don’t think there’s much opportunity to ‘attract’ the business of Oaklanders; they have plenty of options on the mainland.
Having a vision is great but without people to show up and, well, shop, it’s not worth much. My bet is that Webster street continues in its current state until Alameda Point gets some residents or workers.
Comment by phastphill — March 29, 2011 @ 11:24 am