VA Unveils Plan for Alameda Point

The Department of Veterans Affairs Northern California (VA) will showcase its plan for an outpatient clinic, columbarium, and offices at Alameda Point. 

When:  Thursday, March 14, 2013 (1-3 p.m. or 6-8 p.m.)

Where:  USS HORNET Museum

707 W. Hornet Ave, Pier 3 (Alameda Point)

Alameda, CA  94501

510-521-8448

When: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
Where: Albert H. Dewitt Officers’ Club
641 West Redline Avenue (Alameda Point)
Alameda, California 94501
(510) 747-7529

The VA and Navy have drafted a Draft Environmental Assessment document that describes the purpose, need for, and evaluation of the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts on the human and natural environment.

The public is invited to attend the meeting sessions where the VA and Navy will describe this proposed undertaking and accept comments at the meetings and through Friday, April 19, 2013 (total 56 days). 

See: http://www.northerncalifornia.va.gov/planning/Alameda/

Alameda Point VA clinic design rolled out

On October 18, 2012, the residents of Alameda learned second-hand about the details of the Veterans Administration’s plans for a clinic and columbarium at Alameda Point.

According to an article published in the Oakland Tribune, the VA briefed the Alameda County Veterans Affairs Commission.  

“ ‘The clinic's design will feature a glass-fronted lobby that will face the skyline, plus an overhanging winglike roof that architect Greg Lehman said was inspired by the bird colony and the site's history as part of the Alameda Naval Air Station. People visiting the clinic will have views of San Francisco,’ Lehman said Monday, when the veterans commission was updated on the project. ‘We also wanted to capture as much of the natural light as possible.’"   

In addition, “The two-story clinic will measure 158,000 square feet on 30 acres and will replace the VA's current facility on Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Oakland.”

Meanwhile, Alameda residents have yet to be briefed. 

A better option for VA clinic at Alameda Point: The Lab site

The US Department of Veterans Affairs’ original plan for outpatient facilities and a columbarium at Alameda Point ran into strong opposition over proximity to the nesting site of the CA Least Terns on the wildlife refuge.  

Now, a new set of concerns is emerging. The new proposed location on the Northwest Territories will impact wetlands and natural habitat, is isolated from the main mixed-use area where redevelopment planning is underway, and will generate a stream of traffic through land designated for open space. 

A better site is available and should be considered.