Kensington project draws local concern

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jul 3, 2008 | by Shelly Meron

A neighborhood group is speaking out on behalf of residents and business owners near Colusa Circle, expressing concerns about another proposed development at Colusa Circle. This time, they are objecting to a project at 401 Colusa Avenue, where a developer is seeking to put a three-story, multi-use building.

The building would include two retail spaces, three residential units, and 10 parking spots. While many say they are eager to see the vacant lot developed, they wonder about the impact of the proposed building's size and height, parking and overall look.

"We're pretty concerned about it," said Kensington resident Tom Foley, who lives across the street from the proposed project. "We realize people have the right to develop their property, but the impact on the community has to be taken into consideration as well."

Andrew Woolman, the project's architect, said he and the property owner are willing to compromise between the owner's needs and the community's needs.

"We're hopeful we can get to a place where the neighborhood feels good about what we're proposing and we feel good about what we're being asked to do by the community," Woolman said.

Rodney Paul, president of the Colusa Circle Improvement Association, also lives across the street from the building. He said he and many Association members worry that a three-story building will block out light and views of the bay. They are concerned that the project's 10 parking spaces will not be enough to support those living, working and patronizing the building. And they say the building's modern design is out of character with the rest of the neighborhood.

Paul said he would like to see something done with the empty lot, but worries that the proposed plan will negatively affect local residents and their property values.

"We completely support the idea of developing that vacant lot. The big issue that separates us is the height of the building," Paul said. "We enjoy the view and it seems unfair to us that basically they're going to get our view."

Paul said he is also concerned with the precedent that may be set if a three-story building is approved in the area. That may mean more large buildings there and along Arlington Avenue, he said.

Woolman said he and the property owner are sensitive to residents concerns, but haven't found a way to reduce the height of the building and still meet parking requirements and financial goals.

"The height issue is definitely the stickiest point. And while we're sensitive to that, we look at it from the point of view that (the property owner has) a very limited site. There are only so many ways you can develop it because of size, shape, and topography. Because of our own property values, we can't give a story away. It's just not something that we feel we can do, or that necessarily we should have to do. We feel strongly about it, but we're still talking. If people can show us a way that it could pencil out otherwise without a third story and makes an attractive building suitable for the site, we could do that."

The Kensington Municipal Advisory Council shared some of the concerns expressed by CCIA, and in April voted 4-0 not to recommend approval of the project to county planners. Ray Barraza, KMAC's vice chair, said last week he was "disappointed" the property owner has chosen to move forward with the project without addressing some of the issues.

In an effort to resolve the issues, Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia brought representatives of the developer and CCIA together this week to discuss community concerns, and see what can be done before the project goes before the county's Planning Commission later this month.

"All the issues that have been raised need to be looked at and addressed at greater detail as part of considering this project," Gioia said. "The major issue is the height. You can always modify streetscape, landscape, the design of a building. But the size... The third story has caused the greatest amount of concern."

The project at 401 Colusa Ave. is one of several recent developments to spark controversy in the area. A property developed by Ed Hammonds at the circle was the topic of conversation months ago. More recently, a property owned by Narsai David caused concern as well, but representatives of the developer have since resolved the issues with CCIA, also with Supervisor Gioia's help.

Shelly Meron covers Albany, El Cerrito and Kensington. Reach her at 510-243-3578 or smeron@bayareanewsgroup.com.