Major Alameda Point Initiatives Approved by City Council
On April 21, the City Council approved several significant initiatives related to Alameda Point, including real estate agreements that advance the $150 million Radium Theater Performing Arts Center, a new operator for the City’s homeless day center, safe parking program, and emergency shelter site, as well as the sale of historic warehouse Building 92. The Council also approved a ban on retail sales of nitrous oxide and new tools to improve enforcement of transient occupancy taxes on short-term rentals.
Radium Theater Performing Arts Center
Community Development Manager Walker Toma presented the proposal to advance the long-planned Radium Theater Performing Arts Center at Alameda Point, asking the Council to approve real estate agreements to move the privately funded project into its next phase while limiting public risk.
The proposal centers on a 53,000-square-foot venue that would include a main theater, studio theater, rehearsal spaces, gallery café, rooftop bar, and a one-acre public plaza. Estimated at $150 million, the project would be financed entirely through philanthropic contributions and operated as a nonprofit, with no ongoing City subsidy. Toma described the facility as a “transformational” cultural anchor intended to activate Alameda Point.
To enable the project, Toma recommended declaring 1.87 acres of City-owned land on former Taxiway H as exempt surplus land and approving a lease-option structure. Under that framework, the developer, Radium Presents, would enter a three-year lease-option period, with up to three one-year extensions, during which it must secure full project funding and complete all entitlements before gaining site control. Extensions would be tied to fundraising milestones to ensure measurable progress.
Upon meeting those conditions, the agreement would convert to a 66-year ground lease at $1 per year. Only after construction, opening, and at least 10 years of sustained operations would the developer have the option to purchase the property, although the City would retain a right of first refusal. Even then, the site would be restricted to nonprofit community-serving use. Toma characterized the structure as a “belt and suspenders” approach to avoid a partially completed or financially unsustainable project.
The project would also require new infrastructure. The City would commit about $4.5 million toward a future north-south roadway connection, while constructing interim access roads and parking needed before the facility could open. The developer would build a pedestrian-oriented street and other site improvements to help integrate the project with surrounding development.
Toma highlighted community benefits tied to the project, including the one-acre public plaza interfacing with Seaplane Lagoon, public access to the lobby and balcony viewing area during business hours, discounted tickets for students and seniors, reduced rental rates for nonprofits, a new pedestrian-oriented roadway and connection to the Naval Air Museum, and local hiring commitments, including opportunities for formerly homeless individuals.
The proposal follows years of negotiation and public review, including unanimous approvals last month from both the Planning Board and Historical Advisory Board. Developer representative Christopher Seiwald said the project aims to fill a regional gap for a mid-sized arts venue while creating a gathering space that “brings people together” and positions Alameda as a cultural destination.
Public comment was overwhelmingly supportive. Local developer Joe Ernst said the facility would have a “dramatic positive impact” on Alameda Point, attracting businesses and creating a stronger sense of place. Residents and parents highlighted Alameda’s lack of comparable arts facilities, noting that local performers often travel off-island to perform. Arts advocates emphasized cultural and social benefits, with Jennifer Radakovich, Executive Director of Rhythmix Cultural Works, noting the potential for partnerships across the arts community, and Katie Connell, founder of The Creativity Center of Alameda, citing research linking the arts to lower stress, stronger civic engagement, and improved social outcomes.
Economic arguments were also prominent, with speakers pointing to increased visitor spending and local business activity. Madlen Saddik of the Alameda Chamber and Economic Alliance described the project as an investment in “economic vitality.”
Council unanimously approved the proposal, framing it as a cultural investment and a significant milestone for Alameda’s development. Councilmember Greg Boller noted, “Right now, we’re in the process of creation.”
New Day Center, Safe Parking Program Operator
Housing and Human Services Manager Simone Falls recommended that Council approve a contract with Restorative Pathways to operate the City’s day center, safe parking program, and emergency shelter site, restarting and expanding services for people experiencing homelessness.
The agreement authorizes operations from May 2026 through June 2027, with an option to extend for a second year. Falls noted that the day center at 431 Stardust Place had been temporarily closed for more than a month, reopening on April 20 under a six-week agreement with Restorative Pathways. Council action would formalize a longer-term contract following a competitive request-for-proposals process.
That process included written submissions reviewed by external evaluators from Berkeley, Oakland, and Hayward, followed by interviews with top candidates. While Urban Alchemy was initially ranked highest due to its national experience, Restorative Pathways emerged as the next strongest candidate, which Falls noted had “all positive reviews” and no negative press.
Under the proposed contract, Restorative Pathways would operate the site 24 hours a day, year-round, providing case management, meals, overnight stays, site maintenance, and security. The organization would also manage a transition to a future, larger site at 1041 West Midway Avenue, expected to open in late summer or early fall.
Falls emphasized the organization’s experience, noting it has more than 50 years of work supporting vulnerable populations across the Bay Area, including individuals experiencing homelessness, domestic violence survivors, and those involved in the justice system. The program’s goal is to connect clients with services and help them transition to permanent housing.
To support the relaunch, the City plans a public resource fair, including local and County partners, on April 27 to reconnect clients and the broader community with services and rebuild trust following the temporary closure. Council unanimously approved the contract.
Sale of Building 92, Alameda Point
Base Reuse Manager Nicole Franklin recommended that Council approve the sale of Building 92 at Alameda Point to Ernst Development Partners, as part of a broader strategy to fund infrastructure improvements through property disposition.
The property, located at 650 West Ranger Avenue, is a 89,000-square-foot vacant warehouse on 3.56 acres within the Adaptive Reuse Area. Franklin said the building currently generates no revenue, requires significant capital investment, and continues to incur maintenance costs for the City. Selling the property eliminates those costs and generates funds to support ongoing infrastructure work at Alameda Point.
The proposed buyer, Ernst Development Partners, was selected through competitive solicitation that began in late 2024. Four qualified proposals were evaluated based on purchase price, financial capacity, and experience with adaptive reuse projects. Staff said Ernst submitted the strongest overall proposal, including a $7.25 million all-cash offer and a demonstrated track record with similar redevelopment projects in Alameda and Oakland.
Under the terms of the deal, the property would be sold “as is,” with no financial contribution from the City. The buyer would be responsible for renovating the building and returning it to productive use.
In addition to the purchase price, the buyer would complete frontage improvements along West Ranger Avenue, aligned with the City’s Master Infrastructure Plan. Franklin also noted that approximately $500,000 from the sale proceeds would be paid to the Alameda Point Collaborative to compensate for early termination of their lease and lost subtenant revenue.
Council unanimously voted to declare the property exempt surplus land under state law and approve the purchase and sale agreement, allowing the transaction to move forward.
Nitrous Oxide Ban
Communications and Legislative Affairs Director Sarah Henry presented a proposed ordinance to ban the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide by tobacco retailers, convenience stores, and other retail establishments in Alameda, citing rising misuse and associated public health and safety risks. The products are sold as culinary products, such as for making whipped cream, but are often marketed with bright, youth-oriented branding and sold cheaply. They are increasingly used recreationally to induce euphoric and dissociative effects, contributing to emergency room visits, impaired driving, and serious health effects, including asphyxiation and paralysis.
The measure will prohibit retailers from selling nitrous cartridges and related devices and integrate enforcement into the City’s existing tobacco regulations, allowing penalties such as fines, product seizures, and license suspensions. The ordinance aligns with pending state legislation and will take effect in June 2026, with exemptions such as for nitrous oxide in food products, provided by a pharmacist, for medical or dental care, and at licensed automotive facilities.
Improved Short-Term Rental Enforcement
Revenue Supervisor Carlos Figueroa recommended that the City approve an ordinance implementing Senate Bill 346, a new state law that aims to improve oversight of short-term rentals by requiring platforms like Airbnb to share property-level data with cities. Figueroa said the measure addresses enforcement gaps by giving the City access to information, such as property addresses, listing IDs, and tax remittances, allowing staff to verify compliance with licensing rules and the City’s 14% transient occupancy tax. Council unanimously approved.
City Manager Contract Delayed
Councilmember Greg Boller requested delaying a contract for Gerry Beaudin as the next City Manager, citing new information from the City’s recruiter. Boller emphasized that the unspecified details do not reflect on Beaudin’s qualifications, but said the Council has a fiduciary duty to review the matter in closed session due to incomplete information. Mayor Ashcraft said she was “totally unaware” of the concerns Boller referenced, and the motion to pull the item passed 4–1, with Ashcraft voting no. The item is now expected to return on May 5. The development comes as a surprise. Council had announced Beaudin’s appointment on April 9. He currently serves as Pleasanton’s City Manager.
Littlejohn Baseball Field Agreement Delayed
Following public outcry through correspondence and public comment in which residents raised concerns about the loss of public access, lack of transparency, and perceived overreach in granting Alameda Little League extensive control over Littlejohn Park, Council directed staff to pause moving forward with a proposed MOU between the City and Alameda Little League Baseball for an Exclusive Use Permit of Littlejohn Baseball Field from March to June and August to November 2026, and to instead develop alternative options for managing the sports field before the next season begins in August. It did not immediately terminate the current season, leaving operations in place for the short term.
