Alameda · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Alameda public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
South Shore Commercial-to-Residential Conversion
The planning board approved converting unused commercial space at the South Shore Beach and Tennis Club into 16 new residential units. While city staff supported the housing addition, several residents raised serious concerns about ongoing property management issues, broken elevators, rodent problems, and bright sports court lighting.
Housing and Human Services Status and Work Plan
The division is drafting its next five-year strategic plan covering 2027 through 2032. The board discussed shelter bed configurations, supportive housing transitions, and homelessness prevention strategies.
Emergency Preparedness
The city has partially activated its Emergency Operations Center to prepare for winter storms and high king tides around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Road Home: 5-Year Homelessness Plan
With temporary COVID-19 relief funds expiring by 2028, city staff are exploring alternative funding, county Measure W support, and potential conversion to permanent supportive housing.
Fernside Boulevard Traffic Calming and Bikeways Project
Residents and commissioners debated the proposed Fernside Boulevard redesign and its connection to neighborhood traffic calming and intersection changes at Gibbons Drive and High Street.
Main Library Redesign and Automated Book Sorter
Progress continues on reenvisioning the main library and installing an automated book checking system, though ADA review requirements have caused minor scheduling coordination with Public Works.
Historic Preservation and Redevelopment of 2320-2322 Lincoln Avenue
The board evaluated whether to allow major rehabilitation, reconstruction, or partial demolition of two late-19th-century buildings in downtown Alameda. Residents and board members debated balancing historical preservation with the practical reality of severe structural decay and the need to revitalize an eyesore.
Stardust Gardens Housing Project
The city is working to build 80 units of supportive housing at Alameda Point. The project is currently stalled due to a funding gap, and the city is stepping in to provide bridge financing to keep it on track.
Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club Interim Stadium Proposal
The Oakland Roots and Soul soccer clubs are seeking a use permit to host professional soccer matches for up to five years at their Harbor Bay Parkway training facility, bringing up to 24 major matches and 8,000 attendees annually. The project involves installing modular seating, temporary amenities, and managing substantial game-day traffic and parking.
Alameda Marina Master Plan Amendment
The developer of Alameda Marina asked to adjust its affordable housing requirements to align with the city's newly revised inclusionary housing ordinance. This allows Phase III (the Foundry) to move forward with 21 very low-income units while keeping construction on track for a July start.
Main Street Neighborhood North Area Development Plan
The board reviewed planning concepts for developing the Main Street Neighborhood North area at Alameda Point. The discussion helps shape future growth and neighborhood design in the former naval base area.
West Alameda Transportation Demand Management Association Annual Report
The commission reviewed WATMA's 2025 performance, highlighting successes with the water shuttle and ongoing work to evaluate transit pass options for residential and commercial members.
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Updates
Board members and developers highlighted an issue with vacant moderate-income units sitting empty due to strict pricing requirements. The board recommended finding administrative fixes to allow existing projects to adjust their terms.
Radium Performing Arts Center Development at Alameda Point
Plans were reviewed for a new 53,000-square-foot performing arts center and public plaza on city-owned land at Alameda Point.
Immigrant Tenant Protections and Anti-Harassment
Speakers discussed legal protections under California's Immigrant Tenant Protection Act, prohibiting landlords and attorneys from inquiring about immigration status or threatening reports to ICE.
USS Hornet Museum Operations Modification
The city reviewed museum operations on the USS Hornet, updating safety rules, occupant limits, and permitting occasional helicopter landings to support the ship's financial viability.
Interim Vehicle Storage at Encinal Terminals
Bayview Landing LP received a two-year permit to store electric vehicles at 1521 Buena Vista, cleaning up blighted buildings while raising neighborhood concerns over truck traffic.
Radium Theatre Performing Arts Center Project
The board advanced a 600-seat performing arts center and public plaza at Alameda Point, promising to bring vibrant arts and cultural programming to the West End.
Prohousing Incentive Program Grant Application
Alameda is applying for state grant funds to help finance relocation and supportive services at the local homeless day center.
General Plan Housing Element and RENA Progress
The board reviewed annual progress on housing goals and expressed concern over slow housing production numbers, noting that high construction costs and economic headwinds are creating significant hurdles for meeting state housing mandates.
Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Grant
Alameda is working to secure over $44 million in state grant funding dedicated to affordable housing and sustainable community projects.