To: Members of the Zoning Adjustments Board and Greg Powell, Secretary
From: Matthew Taecker AIA AICP, on behalf of Center Street Partners, LLC
Cc: Carol Johnson, Chris Pfohl, Jay Pesci, Glenn Elkes, and Kristina Lawson
Date: March 28, 2016
Re: 2129 Shattuck Significant Community Benefits Proposal (ZP2015-0071)
Pursuant to Section 23E.68.090.E of the Berkeley Municipal Code, the Zoning
Adjustments Board “…must find that the proposed project will provide significant community
benefits, either directly or by providing funding for such benefits…, beyond what would
otherwise be required by the City.”
In 2015, the Berkeley City Council provided guidance to the Zoning Adjustments Board
on the types of community benefits packages it would be inclined to support. That
guidance is reflected in Resolution No. 67,172 (copy attached), which sets forth general
principles, application requirements, and significant community benefits options.
Center Street Partners, LLC, (CSP) is pleased to submit for the ZAB’s consideration a
community benefits package that is fully compliant with and exceeds the direction and
guidance provided by the City Council last year. Specifically, as described in more
detail below, CSP has elected Significant Community Benefits Option B as set forth by
City Council.
In addition to the Significant Community Benefits proposed to be provided under
Option B, there are significant additional community benefits that will accrue from this
project. These benefits include: direct tax and fee payments, indirect economic activity
and tax payments, and other community contributions. The estimated value of this
complete package of benefits is described in section C.
As required by City Council guidance, we have included a comprehensive project pro
forma that supports CSPʹ’s significant community benefits proposal (see pages 3 and 4).
In summary, this proposal includes the following sections;
1) Council Guidance; 2) Proposal for Community Benefits Beyond What Would Otherwise Be Required;
3) Project Pro Forma;
4) Quantified Community Benefits (Direct and Indirect); and
5) Other Community Contributions.
2
Section One: City Council Guidance regarding Option B:
Option B: Square Footage Flat Fee. Significant community benefits under Option B
shall include: (a) a PLA; and (b) a per square foot fee determined by an independent
financial consultant that would capture the highest reasonable value while maintaining
the financial feasibility of the project. Such fees would be paid into a City fund….
Section Two: Proposal for Additional Benefits
CSP’s proposal is comprised of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA), a Fee Based on Highest
Reasonable Value, and a Hotel Workers Agreement.
Project Labor Agreement. CSP proposes to have the project constructed under
agreement with all twenty eight member trades of the Alameda County Building Trades
Council. CSP does not propose any trade or work exclusions.
Estimated Value of PLA per Council guidance(Option B, requirement (a)): $5,635,000.
(Note that CSP’s working estimate of the value of the PLA is $5,850,000.)
Fee Based on Highest Reasonable Value While Maintaining Project Feasibility. As
demonstrated by the project pro forma (see pages 3 and 4), the project would not be
feasible if an additional per square foot fee were imposed.
Estimated Value of Fee Payment (for Option B, requirement (b)): Imposition of a per
square foot fee would render the hotel project financially infeasible.
Hotel Workers Agreement. In addition to the significant community benefits CSP has
proposed in compliance with Option B, CSP has also agreed to and executed a card
neutrality agreement with the local hotel workers union. This workforce commitment is
not required by Option B but meets the standard for community benefits that are
“…beyond what would otherwise be required”. .
Estimated Value of Benefit (for Hotel Workers Agreement): $7,941,000
Total Estimated Value of Significant Community Benefits Proposal: $13,576,000
3
Section 3: Project Pro Forma
Pursuant to section B in the City Council guidance, the proposal includes a pro forma
showing projected costs, revenues, and rate of return (see pages 3 and 4). As required,
the financial information has been reviewed and validated by an independent consultant
selected by the City.
4
5
Section 4: Quantified Community Benefits (direct and indirect)
These tables quantify a range of additional community benefits that would be provided
by the project. These other benefits are significant and would not accrue to the
community if this project was not implemented.
Direct Tax and Fee Payments. Direct tax and fee payments to the City have been
estimated and are summarized below. All numbers shown are in thousands.
Indirect Tax Benefits to the City. The estimated value of indirect tax benefits has been
estimated and summarized here.
Total Gross Community Benefit to City (sum of direct & indirect payments): $57,900,000
1. Direct tax and fee payments to the City of Berkeley
One‐Time
Building Permit and impact fees‐ total 10,400
Ongoing (annualized based on first 5 year average)
Transient Occupancy Taxes 3,000
Real and Personal Property Taxes (2)
Avg gross annual amt (yrs 1‐5) 1,975
Less: other jurisdictions (67.45%) (1,332)
City of Berkeley share (32.55%) 643
Business License Tax annual 256
Sales Tax (1% of F&B and retail sales) 70
Utility User Fees (7.5%) 53
Total Annual revenues 4,021
Discounted Value‐ years 1‐20 (note 1) 46,125
TOTAL VALUE OF DIRECT PAYMENTS 56,525
2. indirect tax benefits to the City
A. One‐time (construction)
Construction: 250 jobs for 18 months
Assume workers spend $20/day x 5 days/wk in the City x 1% sales tax 20
Sales tax on locally purchased materials 8,000 @ 1% 80
Sub Total 100
B. Ongoing
100 permanent (union) jobs: Annual wages 3,000
10 management jobs: Annual Wages 800
Assume 25% of this is spent in the community x 1% 10
Local purchase of operating supplies
Hotel incl catering 1,500
Retail/restaurant 2,100
3,600
Tax @ 1% 36
Additional local spend by hotel guests
93,844 occ rooms @ 1.4 guests/rm = 131,382 guests/yr
Outside F&B, retail spend @ $50 6,569 x 1% tax 66
Sub Total‐ annual 111
Discounted Value‐ years 1‐20 (note 1) 1,275
TOTAL VALUE OF INDIRECT PAYMENTS 1,375
6
Section 5: Other Community Contributions
In addition to the tax and fee benefits to the City, benefits to the community include
costs for union labor, as well as a wide variety of additional community contributions
that are extraordinary.
In addition, CSP prides itself on its community involvement and good corporate
citizenship. In addition to the required community benefits, CSP intend to be active and
engaged in the community. The City should anticipate CSP will provide additional
community contributions in keeping with CSP’s historical participation in the
community with various non profits and charitable organizations.
As the current manager at the Doubletree Berkeley we are very active in the
community.
Active Berkeley Chamber of Commerce member and sponsor of annual “Crush”
fundraiser and Business Expo – 2014 and 2015 – Board Membership for
Doubltree Director of Sales/Marketing Adrian Larick and Event Sponsor and
Donation Sponsor. $7,500
Promoted free/open to the community “Movies on the Lawn” from Memorial
Day to October – promoted via Chamber of Commerce, Visit Berkeley, first
Responders and social media – Memorial Day to October, invited community to
free “Movies on the Lawn” event featuring family movies ‐ $5,200
Director of Sales and Marketing is on Marketing Committee for Berkeley
Humane Society AND Board member for Berkeley Chamber of Commerce.
Hosted Humane Society Volunteer/Board of Directors Appreciation event and
Board Meeting – coordinated with Board President Susan Fuller and Humane
Society Staff ‐ $1,500
GM is Board member for Visit Berkeley (Berkeley CVB) – 2014 and 2015 ‐Active
board member – serve with Berkeley Hotel General Managers and Barbara
Hillman.
GM reviewed potential charity sponsorship/partnerships with Police Chief Mike
Meehan and Fire Chief Gil Dong.
Other Economic Factors: Increased Cost Burdens on Hotel
Premium cost of union labor
Construction @ $1,300 per worker per month = 5,850
Operations @ 30% 692 /yr; PV = 7,941
LEED Gold standard‐ adds approx 3% to const cost 2,940
Meeting space above brand standards
Could otherwise have fit 10 more rooms w/ value of $500K 5,000
Additional artwork premium 250
TOTAL OTHER ECONOMIC FACTORS 21,981
Note 1‐ calculated at net discount rate of 6% (9% gross discount based on cost of capital, less 3% inflation)
7
First Responder appreciation cookie/food drop‐off to Police Department and Fire
Stations – 2014 and 2015 – six drop offs to fire stations and police headquarters at
holiday as a community “thank you” ‐ $500
Food drive on site and participation in volunteering to organize food donations
(at facility) for Alameda County Food Bank – November 2014 – provided
community food drop‐off stations and volunteer (CARE Committee) warehouse
workers to assemble holiday food packages. Host of weekly distribution site (in
parking lot, near Cesar Chavez Park)
Donated approx. $10K of “in kind” donations to Berkeley charitable and UC
Berkeley organizations in 2014 – includes South Berkeley Senior Center, Berkeley
Kiwanis Club, Visit Berkeley, West Oakland Health, CAL Athletics, Berkeley
Practicum, Berkeley Hills Elementary School, Berkeley Police Officers
Association, Alameda County Food Bank, Malcolm X School, Haas School of
Business (UC Berkeley), Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, National Association
of Latino Arts Council and others.
Entered into Exclusive Marketing agreement with cell phone carrier to improve
cell reception at hotel AND marina area via Westec – 2015.
Major sponsor of CAL Athletics thru 2015 – contracted with IMG sports ‐ $25,000
Hosted CAL Athletic Sponsor Appreciation Reception (w/ Hornblower Yachts) –
October 2014 ‐ $1,500.
Annual Kite Festival sponsor – 2014 ‐ Host site for Community event ‐ $2,000
July 4th Fireworks event – 2014 ‐ open to community – Host hotel and host to
food/beverage event ‐ $1,000.
Ownership working with City (Mayor Bates) to re‐pave Marina/University
Avenue.
While managing the Claremont, Pyramid Hotel Group was very active in the
community. Examples include:
Supported Local Charities
Berkeley East Bay Humane Society – 2013 to 2014 – Worked with Board of
Directors and Tony La Russa Foundation to honor volunteers and raise support
funding. $2,000.
HIP Housing – 2012 to 2014 – Meeting Host and donation sponsor ‐ $1,000.
Alameda County Meals on Wheels – 2008 to 2014 – Event Host and donation
sponsor ‐ $3,500
Food Bank of Contra Cost County – 2011 – Donation Sponsor ‐ $1,000.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – 2008 to 2014 ‐ Event Host and Donation
Sponsor ‐ $3,000
Alta Bates Summit Foundation – 2007 to 2014 – Event Host and Donation
Sponsor ‐ $6,000
Asian Community Mental Health Services – 2010 to 2011 ‐ Event Host and
Donation Sponsor ‐ $1,500
Temple Beth Abraham – 2009 to 2014 – Event Host and Donation Sponsor ‐
$3,000
8
Berkeley Symphony Orchestra – 2007 to 2014 – Event Host and Donation
Sponsor ‐ $7,000
Alameda County Public Health Department – 2010 ‐ Awareness Campaign
Partner and Donation Sponsor ‐ $500
Berkeley Youth Orchestra and 91 schools – 2007 to 2014 ‐ $45,000
Neighborhood Watch (Lower Alvarado Neighborhood) ‐ 2008 to 2014 ‐
Committee Member and Quarterly Meeting Host ‐ $6,000
Supported Local First Responders
25 guest rooms for families of the 4 fallen police officers in March 2009 –
Contributed visitor/family housing to support victims and Berkeley Police Chief
Doug Hambleton, Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, Oakland Police Chief Howard
Jordan ‐ $15,000
First Responder: room rates/pool party/barbeque – 2007 to 2014 – hosted first
responders and their families (via direct contact and police/fire unions for
Berkeley/Oakland Fire and Police Departments) twice per year ‐ $15,000
Fire Department Breakfast with Santa – 2008 to 2014 – hosted Berkeley/Oakland
Fire Departments Firefighters and their families at December event (peak
attendance was 250 Firefighters/Family members) – invitations extended via
direct contact and Firefighters union ‐ $9,000
First Responders Holiday and monthly dinners – 2007 – 2014 – Holiday Food
drop offs to Berkeley/Oakland Fire Stations and First Responder buffet tables at
holiday brunches/suppers ‐ $3,000
Hosted Community Events
Alta Bates Foundation Annual Gala and Fundraiser – 2007 to 2014 Event Host
and Donation Sponsor ‐ $6,000
The USTA Women under 18 National Championships 2009 to 2011 –
Coordinated event with Berkeley Tennis Club – Event Sponsor and Donation
Sponsor – Coordinated with BTC Board/Staff and Berkeley Councilmember
Gordon Wozniack ‐ $30,000
University of California Berkeley Donor Luncheon – 2007 to 2014 – Event Host
and Sponsor – hosted Donor Luncheons to support Chancellor Birjineau and
Athletic Director Barber.
Berkeley Symphony Annual Silent Auction and Dinner – 2007 – 2014 – Event
Host and Donation Sponsor ‐ $7,000
Solid Gold Ball – 2007 and 2009 ‐ Event Host and Donation Sponsor –
coordinated UC Berkeley event with Mark Yudof’s staff ‐ $10,000.
East Bay Debutant Ball – 2007 and 2008 Event Host and Donation Sponsor ‐
$10,000
Attachment: City Council Resolution No. 67,172