Navy about to transfer another large piece of former air station to city

The City of Alameda is conducting a public tour at Seaplane Lagoon to celebrate the second phase of land conveyed from the Navy Saturday, July 23. The purpose of the tour is to learn about future development plans and to take in the beautiful waterfront.

The free tour will be divided into three segments. The first is a kayak tour along Seaplane Lagoon. Sixty Alamedans — there are a limited number of spaces for residents on the kayak tour — will be given the opportunity travel on the water to view and discuss the future plans. Joe Stack, owner of Stacked Adventures, will lead three tours of 20 kayakers each. The three tours will take place at the following time slots: 9 to 10:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  

To attend the kayak tour, participants must fill out liability waivers. To print out waivers, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/seaplane-lagoon-celebration-tickets-26282745399. Participants must be at least 18 years old to take part in the tour.

Spots are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizers suggest wearing comfortable clothing that allows for quick drying. Light-weight T-shirts and shorts are recommended. Organizers ask that participants wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and binoculars. 

The second phase of the event will be a walking tour that will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. Organizers ask that participants arrive at 9:45 a.m. The tour will span 2.5 miles. There will be stops at three locations to highlight upcoming developments of interest. 

The last phase of the event is the short conveyance ceremony. The ceremony will commence around midday after the walking and kayak tours. There will also be a lunch provided by Pacific Fine Foods. 

A simple RSVP and arriving on time are the only items required. 
Those with mobility constraints should e-mail the event coordinator at azieba@alamedaca.gov and ask to reserve space on a shuttle provided for the tour. 

Tours will gather at Taxiway H on Seaplane Lagoon at 1700 Ferry Point. To RSVP for the event or to ask any questions, call 747-7440 for assistance. Members of City Council are expected to take part in the tour. 

This is the second phase of land conveyed from the Navy. The transfer officially took place in March. Phase two comprises 183.44 acres of land at Alameda Point: nine parcels with 29.83 acres of uplands and two parcels with 153.61 acres of submerged land. 

The uplands include five parcels or clusters of parcels: one along the Oakland Estuary and the others west and southwest of Seaplane Lagoon. The submerged land includes both Seaplane Lagoon and the waters where the Maritime Administration (MARAD) ready reserve fleet and the USS Hornet are docked. This phase is the second of four transfers scheduled to occur. 

Scheduled developments along Seaplane Lagoon include a ferry facility for the Water Emergency Transportation Agency and the Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal.