The building is for sale, however, the city’s offer is about ½ what the owner is asking. Since he will not sell, the city is attempting to force the sale to them through eminent domain. If they don’t attain the theater, the project is a no-go. (But they will build the parking garage anyway, since they have the rest of the property and parking is needed. I still think having smaller parking structures dispersed around Park Street would be more effective and visually appealing.) I don’t think the developer need to “assist” the city in spending money, they do that quite well all on their own :) Yes, the people wanted the theater restored, that is not what we are going to get. If the goal it to restore, then why is that part of the project falling short to accommodate other aspects of the project? I just feel like it (the restoration) is being dangled like a carrot in front of this project so people are more likely to accept it. Even with the option to buy, the theater will decrease in value, even if it is successful (more so if it is not), so I still do not believe the city will ever break even or show a gain equal to what they have invested in this project.
in response to number 7, actually, the city is pursuing eminent domain. Please read the letter to the editor in yesterday’s ALameda Journal. Since the theater is for sale through Gallagher and Lindsey, and the City refuses to make an offer close to the appraisal value, they are trying to force the owner to sell by pursuing eminent domain. According to the letter (which is written by someone I know and trust), the tenants renting the storefronts included in the Alameda theater have been given eviction notices, apparently as part of the eminent domain process.
I am not against a multiplex, persay. I just think this design is too big, especially for the location. I am also uncomfortable with the amount of public money going to a private business. The picture on the website is one of 3 still being used by the developer and the City. The changes that were approved only relate to materials and minor modifications. It will still be massive. It will still be ugly. I guess we are just going to have to agree to disagree, kbb.
Actually. kbb, there are and have been other offers on the table to run the the theater as a theater/arts center ( I have letters that were submitted to the city from a couple of years ago, they were also submitted to the Council at a previous point to prove PSBA represetative wrong), and at the present time, Mark Haskett of Central Cinema has submitted a proposal to partially fund restoring the theater and running a 3 screen theater. If the Mayor and the City Council’s main objective was/is to restore the theater, then why do they continue to refuse even acknowleging these other offers exist? Of course my preference would be to properly rehabilitate the theater only, but I am open to other ideas. However, the current proposal is just completely over the top. The design is absolutely dreadful, and the parking garage is a disaster. One speaker at a recent meeting was able to sketch a better design in 5 minutes than this developer was able to come up with in 5 years. And despite all the bluster and indignation of proponents, who claim opponents are coming in at the last minute etc., the “final” designs were not even submitted to the Council until spring, and the scale model was not even unveiled until May. Check it out on the Park Street Business Association website, they invite public input, but I could not find any pictures about this project. If proponents are so sure this is the best idea since sliced bread, how come it is not splashed all over the website? Why isn’t there one of those huge “coming soon” development bulletin boards at the proposed site? The more people find about the details of this project, the more questionable it becomes. Why can’t we start smaller and add on if need dictates? Do the theater first, try a smaller parking structure, and add more dispersed parking throughout town, instead of concentrating it? Is the $25 million development funds burning a hole in their pockets? Why not spend some of that money on other projects to improve our great city..and leave a litte slush fund in case, maybe, just maybe, one of the several other city projects (new library, Webster and Park Street re-design, Alameda Point, etc.) goes over budget. Seems like the more Alameda invests, the more profit we need to see. I cannot imagine Alameda ever seeing a return on a $25 million+ project. All this debate could be a moot point if the City’s eminent domain claim is dismissed. I feel that despite the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, they are going to have a tough fight in the courts, and with the citizens of Alameda. The PSBA should also be careful what they wish for..a concern I addressed at previous board meeting was my fear that if the project goes through, it will force up rent on businesses in the immediate area, possibly driving out local businesses in lieu of chain retailers who can afford the higher rent (Starbucks, Subway, etc.) Already, by beloved Skylight Cafe (which had the best filet mignon in town) has closed its doors and is being taken over by a new owner. :(
Many consider it a “megaplex” because of the scale compared to the size of out town. The project is 1 block from downtown, and while parking is needed, we feel a better,smaller design (one which would not make it the tallest structure around) or two smaller garages to ease traffic and allow all businesses downtown to benefit from the additional parking. Alameda is an island with no freeway access. There are nearly about 95 multiplex screens within 10 miles of this project. Personally, I don’t see why anyone in the neighboring cities of Oaklan, Berkeley, etc would come all the way to Alameda to get the same product in their own town. There have been several alternative offers, a current one being from the owner of Central Cinema in Almeda to run a 3 screen theater using the original building only. He is offering to partially fund the project, if the city will invest as well. If the true intent is to restore the theater and bring business in, offering independent films and other special events would be the way to do it and save money and reduce the risk of failure. We can always add on, if need be. My other personal concern is that the historic theater has been a second thought in the current plan. It’s like there has been a bait and switch, and this is the only way to keep the theater. In fact, under this plan, the renovation will be second rate and the original theater will pretty much be used as a facade, it will be the only entrance to the multiplex and people will walk throught it to get to every screen but one. The addition is UGLY, generic, and overwhelms the theater. I invite you to take a look at the designs. Unfortunately, the Planning Board gave into political pressure and approved the current design. I will take a look and the Somerville Theatre. Thanks for the input!!!
The building is for sale, however, the city’s offer is about ½ what the owner is asking. Since he will not sell, the city is attempting to force the sale to them through eminent domain. If they don’t attain the theater, the project is a no-go. (But they will build the parking garage anyway, since they have the rest of the property and parking is needed. I still think having smaller parking structures dispersed around Park Street would be more effective and visually appealing.) I don’t think the developer need to “assist” the city in spending money, they do that quite well all on their own :) Yes, the people wanted the theater restored, that is not what we are going to get. If the goal it to restore, then why is that part of the project falling short to accommodate other aspects of the project? I just feel like it (the restoration) is being dangled like a carrot in front of this project so people are more likely to accept it. Even with the option to buy, the theater will decrease in value, even if it is successful (more so if it is not), so I still do not believe the city will ever break even or show a gain equal to what they have invested in this project.
in response to number 7, actually, the city is pursuing eminent domain. Please read the letter to the editor in yesterday’s ALameda Journal. Since the theater is for sale through Gallagher and Lindsey, and the City refuses to make an offer close to the appraisal value, they are trying to force the owner to sell by pursuing eminent domain. According to the letter (which is written by someone I know and trust), the tenants renting the storefronts included in the Alameda theater have been given eviction notices, apparently as part of the eminent domain process.
I am not against a multiplex, persay. I just think this design is too big, especially for the location. I am also uncomfortable with the amount of public money going to a private business. The picture on the website is one of 3 still being used by the developer and the City. The changes that were approved only relate to materials and minor modifications. It will still be massive. It will still be ugly. I guess we are just going to have to agree to disagree, kbb.
Actually. kbb, there are and have been other offers on the table to run the the theater as a theater/arts center ( I have letters that were submitted to the city from a couple of years ago, they were also submitted to the Council at a previous point to prove PSBA represetative wrong), and at the present time, Mark Haskett of Central Cinema has submitted a proposal to partially fund restoring the theater and running a 3 screen theater. If the Mayor and the City Council’s main objective was/is to restore the theater, then why do they continue to refuse even acknowleging these other offers exist? Of course my preference would be to properly rehabilitate the theater only, but I am open to other ideas. However, the current proposal is just completely over the top. The design is absolutely dreadful, and the parking garage is a disaster. One speaker at a recent meeting was able to sketch a better design in 5 minutes than this developer was able to come up with in 5 years. And despite all the bluster and indignation of proponents, who claim opponents are coming in at the last minute etc., the “final” designs were not even submitted to the Council until spring, and the scale model was not even unveiled until May. Check it out on the Park Street Business Association website, they invite public input, but I could not find any pictures about this project. If proponents are so sure this is the best idea since sliced bread, how come it is not splashed all over the website? Why isn’t there one of those huge “coming soon” development bulletin boards at the proposed site? The more people find about the details of this project, the more questionable it becomes. Why can’t we start smaller and add on if need dictates? Do the theater first, try a smaller parking structure, and add more dispersed parking throughout town, instead of concentrating it? Is the $25 million development funds burning a hole in their pockets? Why not spend some of that money on other projects to improve our great city..and leave a litte slush fund in case, maybe, just maybe, one of the several other city projects (new library, Webster and Park Street re-design, Alameda Point, etc.) goes over budget. Seems like the more Alameda invests, the more profit we need to see. I cannot imagine Alameda ever seeing a return on a $25 million+ project. All this debate could be a moot point if the City’s eminent domain claim is dismissed. I feel that despite the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, they are going to have a tough fight in the courts, and with the citizens of Alameda. The PSBA should also be careful what they wish for..a concern I addressed at previous board meeting was my fear that if the project goes through, it will force up rent on businesses in the immediate area, possibly driving out local businesses in lieu of chain retailers who can afford the higher rent (Starbucks, Subway, etc.) Already, by beloved Skylight Cafe (which had the best filet mignon in town) has closed its doors and is being taken over by a new owner. :(
Many consider it a “megaplex” because of the scale compared to the size of out town. The project is 1 block from downtown, and while parking is needed, we feel a better,smaller design (one which would not make it the tallest structure around) or two smaller garages to ease traffic and allow all businesses downtown to benefit from the additional parking. Alameda is an island with no freeway access. There are nearly about 95 multiplex screens within 10 miles of this project. Personally, I don’t see why anyone in the neighboring cities of Oaklan, Berkeley, etc would come all the way to Alameda to get the same product in their own town. There have been several alternative offers, a current one being from the owner of Central Cinema in Almeda to run a 3 screen theater using the original building only. He is offering to partially fund the project, if the city will invest as well. If the true intent is to restore the theater and bring business in, offering independent films and other special events would be the way to do it and save money and reduce the risk of failure. We can always add on, if need be. My other personal concern is that the historic theater has been a second thought in the current plan. It’s like there has been a bait and switch, and this is the only way to keep the theater. In fact, under this plan, the renovation will be second rate and the original theater will pretty much be used as a facade, it will be the only entrance to the multiplex and people will walk throught it to get to every screen but one. The addition is UGLY, generic, and overwhelms the theater. I invite you to take a look at the designs. Unfortunately, the Planning Board gave into political pressure and approved the current design. I will take a look and the Somerville Theatre. Thanks for the input!!!
the zoning for the theater is a mixed residential/business. The time before shows is to aleviate street parking, as there is no lot at Central Cinema.