2026 10-12 Planning Board Meeting

The City of Alameda Planning Board met on October 12, 2026, and held a public hearing on the draft Gibbons Drive Sidewalks and Trees Plan. Public Works presented a preservation-first framework for addressing sidewalk, curb, accessibility, and drainage problems while managing the corridor’s 112 liquid amber trees. The draft included a maximum 20% tree-removal cap in each five-year period and asked that future removals under the plan not require another Planning Board review when the city’s 5%-per-block-face threshold is exceeded; other requirements of the city’s tree-removal policy would remain in effect. HortScience | Bartlett Consulting provided arborist support. The board and residents raised concerns about limited detail on repair priorities, measurable preservation criteria, community engagement, and retaining public oversight. The board passed a motion 4–0 directing further revisions rather than endorsing the draft for adoption, with discussion emphasizing a possible lower removal cap, separate treatment of emergencies, and clearer evaluation and engagement processes before the plan advances to City Council.

No contract award, bid approval, or new spending authorization was identified. A speaker referred to approximately $200,000 previously approved for a separate pavement-management project phase 44 / Fernside Boulevard traffic-calming work, but the board took no action on that funding during this meeting. The board also approved its August 24 meeting minutes; other updates included staff transitions and upcoming planning matters.