The Alameda Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS) has made a significant contribution to the Protect the Point organization to help cover the expense of educating voters about Measure B in the Alameda Special Election on February 2.
The goal of AAPS is to increase public awareness and appreciation of architecture in Alameda. Active members contribute to many community efforts to improve design of projects such as the Alameda Theater while the organization, as a whole, remains politically neutral
AAPS President Nancy Hird presents contribution to Dave Needle and Reyla Graber of the “Protect the Point” organization at Alameda’s City Hall West, a rehabilitated NAS Building and used for city offices
out of respect for its diverse membership. Even though the SunCal plans called for exclusion to Alameda’s Measure A at Alameda Point, the AAPS Board of Directors initially supported the opportunity for voters to determine a development solution. (Measure A stopped the destruction of Alameda’s Victorian structures and quieted traffic concerns in the 1970s.) Board members’ concerns were raised when SunCal’s Initiative and Specific Plan did not guarantee adequate preservation of the historic district buildings. As a result, AAPS has joined a host of organizations and individuals in taking a public stand against Measure B.
The Alameda Point Historic District was determined eligible in 1992 for the National Register of Historic Places. Eligibility qualifies the buildings for a 20% federal tax credit for improvements made to historic structures, making rehabilitating them economically feasible. The district is also on the city of Alameda’s Monument List. In addition to the Alameda Point historic district, some buildings such as the Flight Control Tower are at risk for demolition under the Specific Plan advanced by SunCal. AAPS strongly supports preservation and reuse of salvageable Naval Air Station buildings. The organization has repeatedly requested a study be completed to determine alternate uses for the structures. Many members vision a light industrial complex, educational/vocational campuses, the VA Medical Clinic and supporting businesses to provide a solid tax base at NAS as a viable alternative to thousands of houses.
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