[top]


Life Enrichment Committee to consider Lake Merritt Park Improvement Projects ~ Tuesday, April 11th at 6:00 pm

Your Measure DD dollars are about to go to work onproposed Lake Merritt Park Improvement Projects. They will

• Reconfigure E. 12th St. to convert it from a two-block long freeway into a pedestrian-friendly boulevard and new 4-acre park at lakeshore's edge;
• Restore the historic Municipal Boathouse on Lakeside Drive, adding a restaurant and café; consolidating the two existing parking lots into one lot, relocating a public restroom and creating a bioswale to prevent parking lot runoff from entering the lake untreated;
• Narrow Lakeshore Avenue and Lakeside Drive to provide for a wider park and on-street bike lanes that eventually will encircle the lake; and
• Reconfigure El Embarcadero between the lake and Lakeview Branch Library to reduce traffic lanes and add green space. 

Joel Peter, Measure DD Project Manager, will be at the meeting to discuss the projects with the public and to present some alternatives for City Council action. Click here for a staff report on the projects and a few alternatives which have been explored. 

If you have strong feelings in support of these projects or concerns about particular alternatives, please come to the Life Enrichment Committee Meeting.

Date:  Tuesday, April 11th
Time:  6:00 - 7:30 pm

To fill out a speaker's card online, click here.

[top]

Update on Oak to Ninth Project

For those of you who are wondering "What's this "Oak to Ninth" thing, anyway?" here are three websites that can tell you about the project itself, from three different perspectives.  And for those of you are knee deep in the on-going policy debates, the websites may have useful information for you too.  My summary of the procedural status and public policy issues concerning the Oak to Ninth project follows the links:

My summary of latest actions and issues:

The Planning Commission voted to approve the Oak to Ninth Mixed Use Development Project on March 15th.  Several parties have appealed on a variety of grounds, and the appeal will be heard by the City Council on June 20th.

Among the documents approved were an amendment to the Estuary Policy Plan, a Planned Waterfront Development District, Preliminary Design Guidelines and a draft Development Agreement with Oak Harbor Partners.  The combined effect of these approvals is to entitle a planned development for the Oak to Ninth area delineating the street layout, the areas designated as parks, marinas, retail, and parking, and the parameters for the residential buildings including location, height, massing, and design standards. 

The final terms of the Development Agreement are still being negotiated between the developer and the City.  The general concept is that in exchange for the right to develop housing on the land over a period of 20 years, the developer will provide benefits to the City, including building and paying for all the public infrastructure and amenities for the new 65-acre neighborhood, including all streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, sewers, water and utility lines, traffic signals, renovating two marinas and building approximately 30 acres of waterfront parks. 

The land for the project belongs to the Port of Oakland.  About 3 years ago, the Port conducted its own process for selection of the developer and determined the fair market value of the land to be $18 million plus costs of toxic clean-up (now probably in the range of $25 million).  Both the process and the price of the land have been criticized by some advocates who participated in the community planning process for the Estuary Policy Plan, the City's adopted land use policy for the area, which preceded the Port's action.  I would like to note that if the Port determines the fair market value of the land to be higher and makes the developer pay the higher amount, the money would go to the Port, not to the City.  The Port is an independent entity and the City does not control its funds.  If this project receives land use approval from the City, my goal as a representative of the citizens of Oakland, is to maximize the public benefits being provided by the developer.  The way I see it, the more money the developer pays to the Port, the less money is available to contribute to such things as parks and affordable housing.

Except for a possible affordable housing component, there is no City money being spent on the project.  The issue of how much affordable housing will be included in the project is still being negotiated.  I am participating actively in discussions with the Coalition, the developer, and City housing staff to come up with a workable proposal.  Assuming that affordable (subsidized) housing is included, a major share of the subsidy will be paid for by the Redevelopment Agency, from the tax increment which will be generated by the project.  By State law, 20% of all redevelopment tax increments must be used to fund affordable housing.  If this project is built out, there will be a dramatic increase in property values and the new homes will generate huge amounts of taxes for the Redevelopment Agency to reinvest in the community and to the City's General Fund.

Since the proposed project is so large (3,100 housing units on 65 acres) and the issues raised are complex, I requested that a Special Informational City Council meeting be held so that all members of the City Council could learn more about the project as well as hear community perspectives on it well in advance of any final decision-making.  That meeting was held on March 28th and was attended by at least 300 people.  There were many enthusiastic supporters, as well as many other equally passionate people who want significant changes in the project, as well as some who oppose it altogether.

At the risk of grossly over-simplifying the issues, the main points of debate are these:

In exchange for the 20 year Development Agreement and amendment to the Estuary Policy Plan, how much should the developer contribute toward "community benefits" such as waterfront parks, local jobs, and affordable housing? The Oak to Ninth Coalition is currently negotiating with the developer and the City on affordable housing, with the Coalition asking for 25% of the units to be affordable to low and very low income working families.  The Coalition and developer have already reached agreement on local apprenticeships and local jobs from the project.  Though not requested by the Coalition, the provision of 30 acres of public park to be maintained by the developer at no cost to the City is also a substantial community benefit.

How much public park land should be included in the project?  Some community advocates argue that the 30 acres of new and renovated parks proposed in the project is less than required by the Estuary Policy Plan and that this requirement should not be amended.

Whether the developer should save and restore the historic Ninth Avenue Terminal building.  The project plans to demolish most of this old Port cargo facility and turn the space into a waterfront park.  The developer proposes to save only a 15,000 square foot segment of the Terminal and would make it into a maritime museum.

The impact of the project on the 5th Avenue artists’ colony.  The 5th Avenue community will remain, but will be sandwiched on both sides by the new project.

Whether the plan and design guidelines provide for a well-planned, high quality, pedestrian-friendly urban neighborhood and regional waterfront destination that will attract the public to the waterfront.  Ultimately, the value of this development to Oakland will depend on whether it succeeds as both a waterfront recreational destination and as an urban residential neighborhood. Supporters of the project point out that high density urban infill housing is exactly what cities should be building, and that this project is a good example of "smart growth."

I am continuing to pursue all these issues with City staff and the developer, with a goal of maximizing the benefits of this proposed development to all the communities of Oakland.

[top]

Lakeshore Albertsons Update

An overflow crowd of more than 150 residents arrived on Monday evening, March 20, 2006, at a community meeting to discuss "The Future of the Lakeshore Albertsons: Challenges and Possibilities."  I called the meeting so residents could voice their concerns and ideas for the future of the site directly to the new lease holders, Sansome Pacific Company.

The Albertsons at 3250 Lakeshore Avenue closed in early January and the lease to the property was purchased by a real estate investment company, Sansome Pacific.  Representatives of Sansome Pacific, Dave Gustafson, Dave McDowell, and Chip Erickson attended the meeting.  Also participating were Claudia Cappio, City of Oakland Director of Economic Development and Planning and Zoning, and Pamela Drake, of the Lakeshore Avenue Business Improvement District.  Sansome Pacific said they have not yet decided on a tenant for the store.

The future of the Albertsons site has generated more mail, comments, and response than any other subject since I have been in office.  I want to thank everyone for sending their opionions on this important neighborhood issue.  Even with all this interest, since this is private property, and no zoning decisions are involved, the ultimate decision of choosing a tenant is in the hands of the lease holder. 

The residents who spoke at the meeting echoed the same sentiments as I heard in my survey, with the emphasis on a full service quality food store that would meet the needs of the surrounding residents. The survey from my website had 711 responses in favor of a quality food store to replace Albertsons.  77% of those named Trader Joe's as their #1 choice.  Other top choices were Andronico's, Whole Foods, Berkeley Bowl and numerous independent small grocers such as Rainbow Grocery, Market Hall, Village Grocery, Mollie Stones, Farmer Joe's.

At the meeting several speakers urged selection of a locally owned business and one that offers good pay and benefits to its employees.  The residents also spoke about the need for continued maintenance of the site, including proper lighting and steam cleaning.

Quite a few speakers suggested a total redevelopment of the site, including the City-owned parking structure.  In response to those suggestions, Claudia Cappio, the Economic Development Director,  agreed that a better urban design in a new project would benefit the neighborhood, but that a major redevelopment would require a community planning process and feasibility study that would probably take about 8-12 months.  The developer would be responsible to pay for those expenses.  Such a planning and feasibility study would explore options for a realistic mix of housing and retail, possible tenants, parking, height and design issues, traffic impacts and related issues. 

Eventually any proposed project would go before the Planning Commission, and if City property were involved, before the City Council for approval.  This neighborhood is not in a Redevelopment Area, so no Redevelopment funds would be available to assist with a project.  Going through all the planning and approval processes could take as much as 2 years.  A major project would probably take 18 months to build.

The lease holder, Sansome Pacific Company, informed the residents that they are in negotiation with the property owners but could not disclose their negotiations.  They stressed that they want to meet the needs of the community and appreciated being able to listen to the community.  They said their primary focus at this time is to realize the potential of the site and the building.  The short term changes that they envision for the site are to upgrade the façade, make modest upgrades to the interior and the surrounding parking lot, make having a food tenant a priority, and welcome City involvement.  They cautioned that 3 or 4 years (the redevelopment scenario) is too long for them to realize a return on their investment, and so a single vendor, either food or another type of business, is their immediate target.  They are not averse to breaking up the building into multiple vendors such as a Market Hall or Farmers market and they will be exploring all possibilities. 

I reiterated that it was very important to me that the community remain involved, and that any potential tenant serve the needs expressed by the community.  The lessees agreed to keep me informed and also agreed to work together with City.  This opportunity for Sansome Pacific to hear from the community was a very important step in realizing the potential of this important community location.  I want to thank everyone who came to the meeting and/or spoke at the meeting and I will keep you informed as I learn more.

[top]


Junk Boat Kickoff Event and Annual Wa Sung Pancake Breakfast

Every Easter, Wa Sung invites community members to their annual Pancake Breakfast at Lincoln Square in Chinatown (Harrison between 10th Street and 11th Street).  Tickets are $3 and can be purchased at the event which is from 8:30 to 11:30am.  The menu will feature pancakes, sausages, oranges and gourmet coffee and teas.  There will be an Easter egg hunt around the junk boat at 10am and entertainment and raffles throughout the morning.

This Easter, Wa Sung Community Service Club will complement the pancake breakfast by celebrating the progress of the Lincoln Square Junk Ship restoration project with a groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, April 16 at 11am at Lincoln Square.  The ceremony will feature Wa Sung’s president Audrey Huie, donors, and local dignitaries.   

Councilmembers Henry Chang and I identified funding for the $500,000 city-funded playground and I am pleased that the project is moving forward.  On Tuesday April 4, my City Council colleagues and I passed a resolution to award the contract to the Oakland business Beliveau Engineering Contractors, Inc. 
 
[top]

Equal Language Access

Oakland's vibrant and diverse population offers richness to our city.  In 2001, the Oakland City Council passed the nation's first Equal Language Access Ordinance that helped remove language barriers to City services for thousands of limited English proficient Oakland residents.  Since the inception of the Equal Access Ordinance, the City has made significant strides in its services to speakers of Spanish, Chinese (both Cantonese and Mandarin), and Vietnamese.  The Equal Access office, led by Deborah Liu, has translated hundreds of official documents and has provided thousands of hours of language interpretation for Oaklanders.  Despite our progress, the City has more work to be done.

The City Council's Finance and Management Committee will hear a status report on the implementation of the Equal Access ordinance in the next month.  (Date tentatively set for May 9, but we will send out a notification when it is finalized.)  Numerous community members have conveyed their concerns about the City's progress on implementing the ordinance, which called for the hiring of more bilingual people in public contact positions (PCP) to assist residents who have limited English skills and need direct city services.  It is essential that the City of Oakland provides residents with services in languages that they speak. 

[top]

Morcom Rose Garden Update

You may have noticed that the Rose Garden hasn't looked this good in years!  We are fortunate to have the commitment of several community groups and individuals whose goal is to make this site the unique sanctuary it was intended to be. Recognition ceremonies are planned to thank the many volunteers and employees who have contributed their time, efforts and skills to get the garden where it is today. 

Over the last year, a collection of participants from the Friends of Oakland Parks and Recreation, the Grand Lake Grime Busters, the Grand Lake Kiwanis Club, the Rose Garden Neighborhood Preservation Association, Golden Landscape Design, and the surrounding neighborhood has worked closely with my staff and the Parks Department to craft a vision for future projects in the garden. Because the garden holds an official landmark designation, the community group was guided by the garden's historical design documents and literature. 

With professional advice, and feedback from the community and Park's staff, the first major restoration project has been designed.  The project site is the area surrounding the historic Florentine section of the Garden, just below Oakland Avenue.  The plan calls for the replanting of the area, where junipers once grew, with an interesting collection of roses.  Also, the plan highlights a new drip irrigation system and replenishing the arc of trees that once framed the Florentine area.  To enhance the viewing possibilities of this area, three new park benches will be installed.

On Earth Day when a major community clean-up of the Garden will take place, community members and I will say a few words about the future of the Garden and this first proposed renovation project will be unveiled.  Lunch, provided by the Grand Lake Kiwanis, will be served.

If you have any questions about the events planned for Earth Day, contact Chris christopheryork@sbcglobal.net and Mary Ellen menavas@comcast.net.

Copies of the proposed renovation are on display at the Lakeside Park Garden Center, Lakeview Branch Library, Grand Lake Neighborhood Center and in display cases by the pond in the Rose Garden and can be downloaded from my website, narrative description and design.   

Also, you may be interested in attending the Landmarks Advisory Commission meeting on Monday April 17th at 4:30pm (Hearing Room 1, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza), during which the Commission will be hearing plans to restore the Florentine Garden section of the Rose Garden.

[top]

Support a new Local Business!  The Prism Café at 1918 Park Blvd., just a block above the Parkway Theater. 

Stop by for coffee, a glass of wine and excellent food.   Their salads, pizzas and paninis are delicious, and made from organic ingredients. The Prism Cafe's hours are:

6:30 am – 10 pm Monday-Thursday
6:30 am – midnight Friday
8 am – midnight Saturday
8 am – 10 pm Sunday

Visit www.prismcafe.com for more details.

[top]


Survey about Practices that Pollute the Bay

Save the Bay is taking a survey to determine activities around the home and in the neighborhood that result in polluting San Francisco Bay. The results of the survey will be announced shortly before Earth Day, April 22st. You are invited to add your thoughts to this survey as I have, and determine if there are any activities you’re doing that contribute to bay pollution. Click on www.ikeepitclean.org to take the survey.

[top]

[back to Pat's website]