The city recently posted Mayor Beverly Johnson statement about SunCal's initiative to develop Alameda Point. In her statement Johnson calls SunCal's ballot initiative one-sided and expressed concern that that the developer has overreached and usurped the city's ability to negotiate any "fair development deal."

"After studying the election report, I've come to the conclusion that (the initiative) is completely one-sided," she says. She points out that the city has issued a two-part election report and says that the report provides a detailed analysis of SunCal's initiative.

Johnson expressed her surprise at the contents of the report and says that the report has drastically changed her understanding of the SunCal initiative

Johnson admits that SunCal's proposed development has its good side and cites the developer's plans for a sports complex, trails and transit-oriented development.

She points out, however, that if the voters pass the initiative as written, it would jeopardize Alameda's long-term fiscal sustainability.

The election date for the initiative was originally set for Nov. 3. City Council will set a 2010 election date at an upcoming meeting, likely in November. In her release, Johnson expressed her intention to ask city staff to make a presentation about the initiative at a city council meeting. She says that she hopes to ensure that the council and the public "thoroughly understand the provisions of the initiative."