Albany Waterfront Visioning Process Begins
The City is initiating a proactive, community-driven planning process to develop a common vision for the future of the waterfront, when and if the racetrack is closed.
Per City Council direction, the City’s Waterfront Committee is taking the lead on this visioning process, including recruitment and recommendation to City Council for selection of a qualified environmental planning consulting firm to conduct the visioning process.
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Process:
In December 2007, a request for qualifications was sent out to approximately 25 local planning firms. A total of 4 qualifications submittals from planning firms were received by the City. During public meetings, the City’s Waterfront Committee reviewed the qualifications received and selected three planning firms to interview. Interviews were held in February 2008. The Waterfront Committee voted to recommend Fern Tiger Associates (FTA) as the selected planning firm based on its qualifications. The next step of the process will be the preparation of a draft scope of work (revised 4/9/08) by FTA and the Waterfront Committee.
FTA has a long history of award-winning work with a wide range of nonprofits, community organizations, select corporate clients, public agencies, and foundations. The firm’s talented staff provides a multidisciplinary and innovative approach to projects, and a comprehensive blend of strategic and creative skills, appropriate for development, marketing, community relations, and public information and education. Combining these unique skills with the understanding that comes from decades of experience in the field, FTA strives provides organizations with an unusual array of public policy expertise in research, policy evaluation, strategic outreach and communications and civic engagement.
FTA has a significant amount of public outreach experience, and a diversified technical staff that with the expertise necessary to conduct a comprehensive community planning process.
Scope of Work Development:
The selected planning firm, Fern Tiger Associates, provided a draft scope of work (revised 4/9/08) for the Waterfront Committee to review in March 2008. At their next meeting scheduled for April 15, 2008, the Waterfront Committee will be making recommendations to City Council on this draft scope of work. City Council is scheduled to review this item at their April 21st meeting.
Public Participation:
The Waterfront Visioning process is a community driven process. As such public comment, participation, dialogue and community building are all extremely important to this process.
Join us in developing a vision for the future of the waterfront:
Email: waterfrontvisioning@albanyca.org
Phone: City of Albany Community Development (510) 528-5760
Public Meetings:
April 15th, 2008, 7:30 p.m. - Waterfront Committee Meeting. City of Albany, City Council Chambers, 1000 San Pablo Avenue. The Waterfront Committee will review the consultant’s draft scope of work and make recommendations to City Council.
April 21st, 2008, 8:30 p.m., Council Meeting (Tentative date). City of Albany, City Council Chambers, 1000 San Pablo Avenue. The City Council will review the Waterfront Committee’s recommendations regarding consultant selection and draft scope of work.
For More Information:
City Waterfront Planning Process: July 2006 to Present
Waterfront Planning: Information Presented to Albany City Council on Golden Gate Fields Property - October 2005 to July 2006
"Rancho San Antonio": 2002 Golden Gate Fields Proposal and 2003-04 City Visioning Process
for further information, please contact Community Development at 510-528-5760
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