Alameda may ban animal testing

Bioscience firm's $1.4 million lease at Alameda Point was denied by the Alameda City Council in October after acknowledging its research includes animal testing

Science Corp. CEO Max Hodak addressing the Alameda City Council in October.

CITY NEWS

ALAMEDA

—BIOSCIENCES BEWARE—Earlier this month, a front page article in The New York Times detailed scientific research being done at Alameda Point.

—The story featured a novel scientific experiment being conducted on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Hornet that might one day combat climate change.

—It’s work that, if successful, is still a long way from application, but the science being done at Alameda Point is a reminder that Alameda is missing out on an enormous opportunity after a recent decision by the city council to block a proposed 10-year, $1.4 million lease with Science Corp., a bioscience company currently doing research on prosthetic eyes.

—The reasoning behind the decision was concerns by a majority of the Alameda City Council regarding Science Corp’s use of animal testing on monkeys, rabbits and rodents.

—Opposition was fueled by moderate Alameda Councilmembers Trish Herrera Spencer and Tony Daysog, and, surprisingly Councilmember Malia Vella. It’s a very rare occurrence when Vella, a progressive, sides with Alameda’s moderate bloc.

—In addition to turning away the lease for the 110,000 square foot hangar at Alameda Point last fall, the Alameda City Council on Tuesday will discuss a possible ban on animal testing at all city-owned properties.

—An alternative proposal, laid out by city staff, would carve out an exemption to the animal testing ban at Alameda Point.

—Alameda’s business community viewed the dismissal of the Science Corp. lease as a set back for development of the former Naval Air Station, which is in need of massive infrastructure upgrades.

—Alameda has long been reticent about placing an infrastructure bond measure on the ballot to attend to Alameda Point’s infrastructure needs.

—In its absence, proceeds from the sale and leasing of buildings at Alameda Point are generally poured back into rebuilding its roads and utilities.

—In addition, there are worries the council’s decision regarding the Science Corp. lease and the proposed animal testing ban will dissuade other bioscience companies from moving to Alameda.

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