Measure A

Action Alameda

Introduction

In the city of Alameda, the phrase "Measure A" almost always refers to the measure passed in 1973 which forbids the construction of multiple-dwelling unit buildings in Alameda and limits the residential density in Alameda, with exceptions for certain low-income housing and the replacement of existing buildings.

Measure A in Alameda was enacted in 1973 in response to a development trend that destroyed not only beautiful Victorian homes and historic buildings, but any cheap - and affordable for residents - houses on lots that could be assembled into a larger plot, to build multi-dwelling structures (i.e. apartment blocks.) Many Alameda residents feared that uncontrolled and unplanned growth would result in a high-density, overcrowded island city.

The history of Measure A is rooted in the period after WWII when the need for housing grew significantly. Between WWII and 1973, approximately 1,500 buildings were torn down of all types and styles. The peak years of these teardowns were in the late 1960's. Over a six-year period, houses were being torn down at a rate of one every five days. The construction of large apartment blocks in the place of these demolished buildings added over 10,000 residents to a community with essentially no vacant land for development. As a result of the increased population and increased traffic problems, a campaign was formed to enact restrictions on building density in Alameda, not just for protection of Victorian houses, but also to prevent unmoderated growth and overcrowding on the island.

Many Alamedans were disgusted by the destruction of the city's historic buildings, the construction of large apartment blocks, and the massive bay-fill project which created the lagoon and the new South Shore area, (South Shore Shopping Center is now known as Alameda Town Center) which resulted in a significant increase in population and traffic congestion. Citizen activist groups like Alamedans for a Better Community (ABC) and Alamedans for Today and Tomorrow (ATT) sought ways to control the city's rapid growth.

There was a strong desire on the part of the electorate to have their voices heard and to be able to effect a change in the direction of local government. Opponents of development backed the reform slate of Chuck Corica, Lloyd Hurwitz and George Beckam, and Measure A in the municipal election of March, 1973. Campaign flyers for the Beckam, Corica, Hurwitz slate show pictures of traffic congestion and pictures of demolition equipment tearing down houses and included the assertion that "past decisions by the incumbents on development coupled with proposed development will push Alameda towards a high population projection of 175,000 people." That same election saw the passage of Measure A. The Beckham, Corica and Hurwitz slate defeated three incumbents on the council, and Measure A passed.

Calendar

  • February 23rd, 2008
    Measure A forum at Alameda's Kaufman auditorium.