Harbor Bay Landing
To the Editor:
As the City has pointed out, the new Harbor Bay Landing plan is early-stage—a good time to ground ourselves in key issues.
Losing all retail and particularly Safeway would be bad, but an empty building would be worse. A viable plan should have a long-term commitment from a grocery chain. But is a large grocery store really sustainable here, new housing or not? Has anyone asked Safeway? Based on price and quality, is Safeway the best chain for a new Harbor Bay Landing? The local gas station business model has changed. Discount gas, fuel-efficient cars, and EVs are all eroding both fuel and service revenue.
Creating Alameda’s Housing Element was a model of civic engagement—workshops, surveys, website with drafts inviting comments, and packed local hearings, including at Bay Farm Island. Solutions range from major developments at Alameda Point to ADUs. It’s available on the City’s website.
Our City has a good track record negotiating win-win developer deals. They can do the same at Harbor Bay Landing. In an unfree market where governments have severely limited supply, there is significant headroom before an investment becomes unattractive.
Segregating lower income people into large developments on the west end is not good for anybody—not the health of the city, not its citizens and certainly not those we segregate.
Be wary of published statements from the local Community of Harbor Bay Isle Owners Association, Master Board of Directors. They are not elected by residents and, to my knowledge as a resident, never sought input. In a May 13, 2021 letter, their misinformed reasons to not build any housing at Harbor Bay Landing included building homes near to an airport…where they/we all live.
Harbor Bay Isle had a difficult birth. The first proposal by Harbor Bay Isle Associates for 10,000 homes was quickly reduced to under 3,000 in 1973 by Measure A. Still, in the 1970-80s, fierce community objections remained causing several lawsuits. Objections included traffic congestion, burden on schools, density and the cost of infrastructure. The child has become the parent.
Frank Tiesma
Road safety
To the Editor:
In response to Cyclists Collide on Santa Clara Avenue, Raise Safety Concerns: I agree with you. I am new to Alameda and I can’t begin to tell how many times I have seen negligent driving from not stopping at intersections to speeding. My street opens onto a curved street. Every time, I have to pull out into the street to see if traffic is coming. When they are speeding, it is dangerous for both parties.
Thank you for pointing out the issues.
Richard Murray
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