Around the Island: New housing being built, streets made safer
Published on August 13, 2021
When you’re out exploring Alameda, you’ll see construction happening on a few new housing projects and efforts to make our streets safer. Here’s a quick update about some of these projects, followed by an update on COVID-19 and actions we can all take to stay safe against the Delta surge.
Alameda Point: We continue to see improvements at Alameda Point, including the extension of the Cross Alameda Trail alongside new housing to the Seaplane Lagoon ferry terminal. The new Seaplane ferry provides quick weekday commutes from Alameda to downtown San Francisco, and AC Transit makes the trip easier and cheaper with the new pilot Line 78, starting at Fruitvale BART and traveling across town along Santa Clara Avenue. Riders who use Clipper and take Line 78 and the Seaplane ferry will get a free bus ride, thanks to a transfer discount equal to the local bus fare.
We’re also excited that Firebrand Artisan Breads has just opened nearby at 707 West Tower Ave. They bake wood-fired loaves, sliced bread, pastries and much more that can be found in local stores and restaurants.
Alameda Landing: Bay 37 is at Alameda Landing (behind Target) and when fully developed will be home to 357 units of housing and a waterfront park. Bay 37 consists of four neighborhoods, including single-family homes at the Breeze complex, flats-style condos and three-level townhome-style condos at Compass, three-level townhome-style condos at Lookout and flats-style condos at Landing.
For low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers, new Bay 37 homes are available through a lottery to purchase a two- or three-bedroom home starting at $349,000. An initial lottery will close Aug. 20, and a second lottery with more homes will open in October. For more information about the units, income limits and to apply, please visit housekeys17.com/bay37.
Del Monte: The historic brick Del Monte Warehouse, built 100 years ago on Alameda’s northern waterfront, is being redeveloped. The construction happening now includes foundation slabs and structural reinforcement work, and the traffic control that is in place on Buena Vista will be removed in late August or early September. When finished, the development will blend old and new styles, bringing 362 units of apartments along with retail spaces.
Behind the Del Monte building, Clement Avenue and the Cross Alameda Trail are being extended to Sherman at the entrance of Jean Sweeney Open Space Park and will include a new signalized intersection when complete next year.
Alameda Marina, Clement Avenue: Along Clement Avenue, Alameda Marina is beginning to be revitalized and restored. Currently being constructed is The Launch at 1777 Clement Ave. This project will include 360 units, including 49 affordable housing units.
Along the marina today you see a blank pallet, but what you can’t see is the work that has been done to restore the deteriorating seawall in response to rising sea levels and upgrades being made to failing infrastructure. When complete, Alameda Marina will include improvements to the marina facilities; increased public access; dining and entertainment; public open space; access to water activities for all Alamedans; and up to 760 residential units, including 103 affordable housing units.
The developer removed the old train tracks and recently repaved Clement, adding stop signs and a protected bikeway that will be completed later this month. Next year, the city will improve the sidewalks, make the pedestrian crossings safer and extend the Cross Alameda Trail further east to Broadway.
Slow Streets: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 4.7 miles of “Slow Streets” were blocked to through automobile traffic to provide more space for physical activity at a distance. To help the city decide what’s next for the Slow Streets program, the public is being asked to provide feedback at four virtual open houses scheduled in August and by taking an online survey, available through Aug. 29. The survey, event details and more information about the program are posted at www.slowstreetsalameda.org. The city’s Commercial Streets program is also being evaluated — staff recommendations and more information about it is at alamedaca.gov/commercialstreets.
COVID update: With the Delta variant surging, Bay Area officials issued a new health order effective Aug. 3 that requires the use of masks by everyone when indoors in public settings. Vaccines are safe, effective, free and widely available to everyone 12 and older. Here in Alameda, more than 90% of residents 12 and older have received at least their first shot. If you’re not yet vaccinated, protect yourself and our entire community from the harm COVID-19 can cause. Cases are surging; please don’t wait until it is too late.
Sarah Henry is a public information officer for the city of Alameda. She can be reached at 510-747-4714 or shenry@alamedaca.gov.