Eight-story residential building proposed for Mariner Square Loop
On July 28, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing to review a proposal by Martin Mariner Square LLC/Mash Petroleum Inc. to build a 356-unit, 8-story residential building at 2433 Mariner Square Loop on a 2.39-acre site currently used for offices. The project will include 283 parking spaces and 356 bicycle spaces in a multi-story garage, as well as 124 off-site parking spaces in an adjacent lot leased from CalTrans. Residential units will include 55 studios, 200 one-bedroom units, and 101 two-bedroom units.
The project is part of the City’s effort to meet its state-mandated Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) housing allocation of 5,353 units by 2031. The site, also including 2363 and 2381 Mariner Square Drive and 2415 Mariner Square Loop, was redesignated during the 2023 Housing Element update to allow residential use under streamlined, by-right review processes.
Planning staff contend that the project meets all development standards related to density, height, parking, setbacks, and lot coverage. They also find the project compliant with Objective Design Review Standards (link downloads document), including:
- Parking hidden within the building and leased lot.
- Landscaping, including preserved redwoods, stormwater planters, and podium open space.
- A raised elevation to address sea-level rise and FEMA floodplain concerns.
- A varied façade that includes stucco, brick veneer, wood-looking siding, metal, window/balcony transparency, and pedestrian-friendly entries.
The applicant submitted a draft Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan (link downloads document), and staff finds it generally acceptable with minor adjustments recommended. The affordable housing strategy includes a variety of studio, one- and two-bedroom units.
No public art has been designated. The applicant may opt to pay the in-lieu fee, which would be deposited into the Alameda Public Art Fund used to support public art projects and cultural programming throughout the city.
Planning staff recommends approving the Design Review Permit.
How to Participate
The meeting will be held on Monday, July 28, at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located on the third floor of City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue.
Members of the public may participate in person or via Zoom. They may comment on the Non-Agenda, Consent Calendar, and Regular Agenda portions of the Meeting Agenda (link downloads document).
The Non-Agenda portion of the meeting provides a chance to address the Board regarding any matter not on the agenda over which the Board has jurisdiction. The Consent Calendar is for routine items approved by a single motion. The Regular Agenda is the central portion of the meeting, during which each issue receives a presentation and time for Board discussion and public comment.
Make requests for reasonable accommodation by completing an online form.
For Zoom registration, click here. Information to assist with Zoom participation is here. The Zoom phone number for telephone participants is 669-900-9128, and the Meeting ID is 815 3979 3319.
The meeting can also be viewed on the City of Alameda Facebook page, but comments posted there are not monitored.
Community members may also email Board Members before the meeting.
Contributing writer Karin K. Jensen covers boards and commissions for the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at https://linktr.ee/karinkjensen and https://alamedapost.com/Karin-K-Jensen.
