Monday, March 14, 2011
Honoring Emeryville's Joyce Jacobson
Click here to read about 14 women honored by Nancy Skinner this month, including Emeryville's Joyce Jacobson.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
CIP budget has been postponed
The CIP (Capital Improvement Program) budget discussion planned for March 15 has been postponed as city leaders wait to see what happens to redevelopment at the state level. The CIP projects are projects that are funded by redevelopment money and are planned out in 5 year increments. They range from public projects, like parks, fire station, Art Center etc. to assisting private and non-profit developers with subsidies, like the Marketplace parking, or affordable housing. The projects listed on the survey that you received, and that we asked for community input on, will most likely not have any funding if redevelopment ends. Deliberating on them is premature and irrelevant if redevelopment is ended. We are waiting to see how the state legislature acts on Jerry Brown's proposals, and should know more in the next 2 weeks.
I was glad to hear from staff that over 200 people returned surveys to solicit public input. Thank you to all of you who did. I recognize that some felt there was not enough information to make good choices, and I agree that we have a long way to go on gathering public opinion, but having notification that this discussion was happening and hearing from those who were interested in having their voices heard was one step on the way to greater participation.
The Council had voted to sell bonds to further our CIP goals (on Feb 15), but we stopped the sale (on March 1) until the state settles the course they intend for redevelopment. All is on hold right now, but we are getting regular updates on the state's decision making progress.
If you have specific questions on this, please feel free to email me directly.
So, feel free to come to the March 15 city council meeting (don't have the agenda yet), as you are always welcome to hear what the city council is discussing, but know that the CIP budget will not be discussed at a study session on that day.
I was glad to hear from staff that over 200 people returned surveys to solicit public input. Thank you to all of you who did. I recognize that some felt there was not enough information to make good choices, and I agree that we have a long way to go on gathering public opinion, but having notification that this discussion was happening and hearing from those who were interested in having their voices heard was one step on the way to greater participation.
The Council had voted to sell bonds to further our CIP goals (on Feb 15), but we stopped the sale (on March 1) until the state settles the course they intend for redevelopment. All is on hold right now, but we are getting regular updates on the state's decision making progress.
If you have specific questions on this, please feel free to email me directly.
So, feel free to come to the March 15 city council meeting (don't have the agenda yet), as you are always welcome to hear what the city council is discussing, but know that the CIP budget will not be discussed at a study session on that day.
Open discussion at community forum
On Saturday, February 26, Residents United for a Livable Emeryville (RULE) organized a community forum at the Bay St. Community Room. It was attended by many people, over 40 by my count, and there was time for mingling, eating excellent food (donated by many fine restaurants and coffee shops in town), and a planned program.
I was given a chance to speak about my vision for Emeryville, which very much aligns with RULE. I first got involved with city issues more directly through my RULE work, and ran for city council feeling that there was a progressive segment of the population that was not being recognized in the status quo. The points that I spoke on last Saturday are the ones that I often write about here:
Following my speech we had time for questions and informal conversation. We talked about redevelopment and the possible changes that are coming from the state's budget. We discussed the new bonds that the redevelopment agency had voted to issue. (We have since directed staff to wait on selling any bonds, to see how the state's plans to limit or end redevelopment will play out over the next few weeks.) I appreciated having the chance to talk openly and address concerns. Too often, in council meetings, there is little opportunity to answer questions that come before the council.
One of the important tasks that RULE is working on now is the city council election this fall, November 2011. There are 3 city council seats up for election. Any residents of Emeryville who might be interested in running for city council, please contact me and I would be happy to talk with you about serving your community in this way!
RULE members had also posted paper on the walls to elicit input from folks who attended about what issues were important to them, to expand the topics RULE will consider addressing in town.
I want to appreciate the work that RULE members put into this wonderful community forum. It was mentioned at the meeting that this kind of event should happen more, and in rooms all over town! I would welcome coming to an event that you plan in your neighborhood, or in your community (maybe an HOA meeting). Please let me know if there is an opportunity for me to speak with a group of interested folks!
I was given a chance to speak about my vision for Emeryville, which very much aligns with RULE. I first got involved with city issues more directly through my RULE work, and ran for city council feeling that there was a progressive segment of the population that was not being recognized in the status quo. The points that I spoke on last Saturday are the ones that I often write about here:
- Victories of organized input in 2010: ECDC not outsourced, IKEA warehouse not put next to residential community, Measure J bonds passed to build a new school and rec facility
- Participation matters in Emeryville -- get on a committee and get involved because you can make a real difference in a small town like this
- Redevelopment is changing in Emeryville from the state's budget mandates -- still uncertain as to what that will mean for us (**CIP budget decision has been postponed from March 15, see next blog)
- November 2011's election is an opportunity for change, a way to flex the power of interested people
- I see Emeryville as a place in the future that is more family-friendly: with larger units for families, better design that connects housing to the community, affordable housing, stronger schools, more parks, one that is more bikable, walkable, -- and we can work together to get there!
Following my speech we had time for questions and informal conversation. We talked about redevelopment and the possible changes that are coming from the state's budget. We discussed the new bonds that the redevelopment agency had voted to issue. (We have since directed staff to wait on selling any bonds, to see how the state's plans to limit or end redevelopment will play out over the next few weeks.) I appreciated having the chance to talk openly and address concerns. Too often, in council meetings, there is little opportunity to answer questions that come before the council.
One of the important tasks that RULE is working on now is the city council election this fall, November 2011. There are 3 city council seats up for election. Any residents of Emeryville who might be interested in running for city council, please contact me and I would be happy to talk with you about serving your community in this way!
RULE members had also posted paper on the walls to elicit input from folks who attended about what issues were important to them, to expand the topics RULE will consider addressing in town.
I want to appreciate the work that RULE members put into this wonderful community forum. It was mentioned at the meeting that this kind of event should happen more, and in rooms all over town! I would welcome coming to an event that you plan in your neighborhood, or in your community (maybe an HOA meeting). Please let me know if there is an opportunity for me to speak with a group of interested folks!
Friday, February 18, 2011
CIP Budget Decision, March 15, 2011 and Redevelopment funds
The Emeryville City Council and Redevelopment Agency's Capital Improvement Program budget will be decided on in a study session on Tuesday, March 15 (time to be determined). Please consider attending and sharing what projects are most important to you.
Did you get a survey in the mail? Mine came today. Fill out the list of projects with the ones you would prioritize and send it back in -- just fold it so the city's address is on the outside and put a stamp on it. It must be received by Friday, Feb. 25, which is only one week from now!
Realistically, the amount of the CIP budget is going to be smaller than we had originally anticipated. Maybe you have read about how Governor Brown has proposed to eliminate redevelopment going forward. Well, if that happens business as usual in Emeryville will change, cutting back on projects that can be supported by redevelopment funds. The transformation that Emeryville has enjoyed over the last 20 years was funded mostly by redevelopment money. Redevelopment also pays for a portion (approximately 10%) of staff at city hall.
But the other side of redevelopment funding is that the property tax increment money that flows into redevelopment is money that would otherwise be shared with the schools, the county and the city itself to fund services. Tax increment money is defined as the amount that property taxes have grown since our redevelopment agencies were established (1976 and 1987 respectively), excluding the annual 2% adjustment for inflation. It is now about $30 million per year. This cannot be ignored, in my opinion. If redevelopment ends, so will the big projects, but we will have more flexibility in our city budget. And the state will let some of the tax increment funds remain to be used to pay back the debt service on the existing bonds.
So, like many other municipalities, we have joined in the "rush to issue bonds quick before our opportunity disappears" and the City Council voted on Tuesday evening (2/15/11) to issue bonds to raise somewhere between $45 and $50 million dollars. A chunk of that (approximately $17 million, although actual amounts are not determined yet) will be spent on affordable housing. Is this the last hurrah?
Maybe that is more than you wanted to know about redevelopment and the CIP budget! Hope you were still reading! Turn in that survey!
Did you get a survey in the mail? Mine came today. Fill out the list of projects with the ones you would prioritize and send it back in -- just fold it so the city's address is on the outside and put a stamp on it. It must be received by Friday, Feb. 25, which is only one week from now!
Realistically, the amount of the CIP budget is going to be smaller than we had originally anticipated. Maybe you have read about how Governor Brown has proposed to eliminate redevelopment going forward. Well, if that happens business as usual in Emeryville will change, cutting back on projects that can be supported by redevelopment funds. The transformation that Emeryville has enjoyed over the last 20 years was funded mostly by redevelopment money. Redevelopment also pays for a portion (approximately 10%) of staff at city hall.
But the other side of redevelopment funding is that the property tax increment money that flows into redevelopment is money that would otherwise be shared with the schools, the county and the city itself to fund services. Tax increment money is defined as the amount that property taxes have grown since our redevelopment agencies were established (1976 and 1987 respectively), excluding the annual 2% adjustment for inflation. It is now about $30 million per year. This cannot be ignored, in my opinion. If redevelopment ends, so will the big projects, but we will have more flexibility in our city budget. And the state will let some of the tax increment funds remain to be used to pay back the debt service on the existing bonds.
So, like many other municipalities, we have joined in the "rush to issue bonds quick before our opportunity disappears" and the City Council voted on Tuesday evening (2/15/11) to issue bonds to raise somewhere between $45 and $50 million dollars. A chunk of that (approximately $17 million, although actual amounts are not determined yet) will be spent on affordable housing. Is this the last hurrah?
Maybe that is more than you wanted to know about redevelopment and the CIP budget! Hope you were still reading! Turn in that survey!
Community Forum -- Feb 26, 3:30-5:30
Help Shape Your Emeryville in 2011
and Beyond
Food! Idea-Sharing – Brainstorming
R.U.L.E. (Residents United for a Livable Emeryville) invites you to a community forum to express your hopes, ideas and concerns
Do you want…
- A city council which listens as seriously to Emeryville residents as it does to well-funded special interests – and is transparent about all its activities?
- A city with calm, pedestrian and bike-friendly streets and sidewalks?
- Development that encourages connectivity and community life?
- More good-paying jobs for Emeryville residents?
- More affordable housing for families?
- More local businesses like independent grocery stores, cafes, bookstores, bakeries and galleries?
- More trees and parks?
If so, please join us:
Saturday, February 26, 3:30 – 5:30
Bay St. Community Room (2 floors below the AMC movie theater)
Let’s start planning for the election of progressive City Council members in November!
City Council Member Jennifer West will talk to us about her vision for Emeryville
Sponsored by R.U.L.E., Residents United for a Livable Emeryville
For more information call Judy Timmel, 601-6521; Ruth Major, 316-9343;
Tracy Schroth 205-5850
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Emeryville needs you!
The Housing Committee has a big role to play in the next few years. People who serve on this committee will have a significant impact on what kind of housing is created in Emeryville. Do we want denser developments to encourage more local serving retail and public transit? Do we want larger units that families would like to live in? Do we direct the development of new affordable housing, or let developers come to us? All of these questions are guided by our General Plan, but the committee plays an important role in how these ideas get implemented, and how the Low and Moderate Income Housing Fund gets allocated. These questions and their answers will be very important to Emeryville in 2011, 2012 and after!
The Housing Committee meets at City Hall on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:00pm. The application is available on the city website.
The Housing Committee has 2 vacancies and 3 members who wish to be reappointed to the committee as well. If you are interested in serving on this critical committee, you should apply online. The City Council will be considering applications at our meeting on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 (it was carried over from the February 1, 2011 meeting). Applications must be received by March 2. Go to the City of Emeryville website to apply, or click here. Please include the reason you are interested in serving on the committee.
I personally value diversity on a committee, in terms of geographic (where you live in town), demographic (what kind/size of household you live in) and longevity in town (newer residents are welcome!). Consider sharing your strengths with the community!
There are other vacancies to be filled as well. Please consider applying! This list includes many important committees:
The vacancies for the 2011 Roster of Emeryville Boards, Commissions and Committees are as follows:
1. Child Development Center Advisory Committee (2) Business Member
2. City/School Committee (1) Youth Member
3. Emeryville Celebration of the Arts, Inc. (1) Board of Directors (16 totaled)
4. Emeryville/Oakland Joint Planning Authority for East BayBridge (2)
2 – Planning Council (2 Emeryville Planning Commissioners)
5. Housing Committee (5)
2 – Members (Rooney and Huang)
3 – Members whose term expired 12/31/10 (Treuting, Cardoza, and Jorden)
6. I-80 Pedestrian/Bicycle Crossing Committee (2) Members
7. Marina Committee (2) Members
8. Park Avenue District Advisory Committee (1) Resident
9. Planning Commission (2) Planning Commissioners (terms expire 6/30/11)
10. Public Art Committee (4) Members
11. South Bayfront Pedestrian-Bicycle Project Committee (1) Resident
12. Zoning Update Steering Committee (1) Business Representative
The Housing Committee meets at City Hall on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:00pm. The application is available on the city website.
The Housing Committee has 2 vacancies and 3 members who wish to be reappointed to the committee as well. If you are interested in serving on this critical committee, you should apply online. The City Council will be considering applications at our meeting on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 (it was carried over from the February 1, 2011 meeting). Applications must be received by March 2. Go to the City of Emeryville website to apply, or click here. Please include the reason you are interested in serving on the committee.
I personally value diversity on a committee, in terms of geographic (where you live in town), demographic (what kind/size of household you live in) and longevity in town (newer residents are welcome!). Consider sharing your strengths with the community!
There are other vacancies to be filled as well. Please consider applying! This list includes many important committees:
The vacancies for the 2011 Roster of Emeryville Boards, Commissions and Committees are as follows:
1. Child Development Center Advisory Committee (2) Business Member
2. City/School Committee (1) Youth Member
3. Emeryville Celebration of the Arts, Inc. (1) Board of Directors (16 totaled)
4. Emeryville/Oakland Joint Planning Authority for East BayBridge (2)
2 – Planning Council (2 Emeryville Planning Commissioners)
5. Housing Committee (5)
2 – Members (Rooney and Huang)
3 – Members whose term expired 12/31/10 (Treuting, Cardoza, and Jorden)
6. I-80 Pedestrian/Bicycle Crossing Committee (2) Members
7. Marina Committee (2) Members
8. Park Avenue District Advisory Committee (1) Resident
9. Planning Commission (2) Planning Commissioners (terms expire 6/30/11)
10. Public Art Committee (4) Members
11. South Bayfront Pedestrian-Bicycle Project Committee (1) Resident
12. Zoning Update Steering Committee (1) Business Representative
Trees
One of the things I value most in a community is mature trees. Emeryville is lacking in this department, and it is not something that can be fixed overnight. In my opinion, the beauty of mature trees (and the increased property value) is partly the patience that it takes to bring us to that state. I have appreciated the new trees that have been planted in the Triangle neighborhood over the past few years, and look forward to the day they provide shade.
Recently, the Tattler printed an article about the new Target parking lot, and how 18 years ago the entire East Bay Bridge Shopping Center parking lot (the stretch south of 40th St., between San Pablo and the railroad tracks) was stripped of the requirement to plant more trees. I am sure you can agree that the parking lot is barren and huge today.
City staff have looked into this issue and have given some history and some good news in terms of the Target parking lot. Target is planting many more trees with adequate root space to grow large. The coverage of the lot will be much better in 10 years, but will not necessarily reach 25%, the original requirement that was voted down in 1993. Still, I think this will be a real improvement.
Recently, the Tattler printed an article about the new Target parking lot, and how 18 years ago the entire East Bay Bridge Shopping Center parking lot (the stretch south of 40th St., between San Pablo and the railroad tracks) was stripped of the requirement to plant more trees. I am sure you can agree that the parking lot is barren and huge today.
City staff have looked into this issue and have given some history and some good news in terms of the Target parking lot. Target is planting many more trees with adequate root space to grow large. The coverage of the lot will be much better in 10 years, but will not necessarily reach 25%, the original requirement that was voted down in 1993. Still, I think this will be a real improvement.
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