In 1973, citizens of Alameda approved Measure A, which amended the city's charter, and appears today on the charter as Article XXVI. This Charter Amendment simply states, “There shall be no multiple dwelling units built in the City of Alameda”. In 1991 there was an amendment to Measure A stating "The maximum density for any residential development within the City of Alameda shall be one housing unit per 2,000 square feet of land." People commonly use the term "Measure A" to refer to this legislation.

Island Paradise Lost!

That's what we risk with a repeal of Measure A. Powerful forces are continually at work to undo the will of the people and usurp Measure A protections. These forces intend to turn our island into a replica of Manhattan - a swath of concrete canyons and towering high-rise structures. They view each land development project as an opportunity to turn back the time of Alameda to pre-Measure A days when development ran rampant and without concern for the quality of life of Alameda citizens.

Fiction and Fact about Measure A: It's time to dispel some long-held myths about Alameda, our residents, and the supporters of Measure A.

Fiction: Measure A is only about protecting Victorian homes.

Fact: In the 1960's when development ran rampant in Alameda, and prompted citizens to enact Measure A, it's true that Alameda's
housing stock was largely comprised of Victorian homes, therefore, it was those homes most at risk. However, the real issue was congestion and overcrowding on an island that is 10.8 square miles and not getting any bigger.

Measure A also turns up in the City of Alameda's Municipal code, in Chapter XXX, Section 30:

'The City Council declares and determines:

a. The proliferation throughout the City of residential dwellings in
attached groups of more than two (2) units has created and if
continued, will further create, land use densities and other
undesirable effects to a degree which affects adversely the
environment and the quality of living conditions necessary to and
desirable by the people.'

Campaign pamphlets from the councilmen that were elected to enact Measure A speak of development that was contrary to the City's general plan and uncontrolled and unplanned growth. Contact the Alameda Architectural Preservation Socity or the Alameda Historical Museum to see pamphlets and newspaper clippings from the day.

Later in the 1970's, citizens rallied behind Measure A again to
restrict the density of new housing development on Bay Farm island, where there were no Victorian homes at risk. Measure A is about preventing overcrowding on the island.

More Fiction and Fact HERE

 
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