City Government

Residents Oppose Proposed Luxury Apartment Tower on East Side of Lake Merritt

Published

10 years ago

March 25, 2015

Local residents are organizing to attend the Wednesday, April 1 meeting of the Oakland Planning Commission to oppose the proposed sale of public land on East 12^th Street across the roadway from Lake Merritt to a development company that wants to build a 24-story, 298-unit luxury apartment tower with rents that will go for about $3,000 a month.

The residents, who belong to a neighborhood group called East Lake United for Justice, are urging the city to reject the sale of the parcel. They are saying public property should only be used for the “public good,” not sold to developers for a one-time profit.

screen-shot-2014-11-07-at-24324-pm-600xx887-591-36-0

Rendering of Lake Merritt Boulevard Apartments, courtesy of UrbanCore.

“We feel public property should be used for public benefit,” said Amy Vanderwarker of the East Lake United.

“We are renters and homeowners who are concerned how this tower will lead to a rise in rents and will lead to displacement and is part of the rising tide of gentrification in Oakland,” she said.

“We are going to lose our diversity, our depth of culture,” if gentrification is allowed to go ahead,” said Vanderwarker. “East Lake is one of the areas in the city that is just barely affordable. The area around the lake should be maintained for the public, not just people who can afford $3,000 a month.”

The developer who wants to purchase the property from the city is Ronnie Turner and his company Urban Core. In addition to the 298 residential units, the project would include a cafe, parking, seven townhouse units and a lounge area.

Seeking to answer community criticisms, Urban Core recently started a petition on Change.org, a web-based site for writing and publicizing petitions, calling on Oakland residents to support the project as a way to “increase housing supply and the growth of Oakland’s economy.”

The company defended the market-rate price for its units: “Rents (not for-sale condos)…are in the $3,000-per-month average, which is well below the San Francisco market,” the petition said.

“This project will not increase gentrification and displacement in Oakland, but by adding a new supply of units, offers an opportunity for balanced growth, given the increased market demand for living in Oakland’s growing community,” according to the petition.

The petition added: “The development of the project will contribute new market-rate housing to the city that adds to the housing stock providing opportunities for new residents to the city, and further options for those existing residents seeking to live near one of Oakland’s finest amenities – Lake Merritt.”

A mix of unit types is proposed, including seven lofts, eight penthouse units, 113 studios, 110 one-bedroom units and 60 two-bedroom units. Parking would be available for some of the residents, with spaces for 209 cars and 86 bicycles.

City staff is expecting to sell the land for $4 million and has included the proceeds in Oakland’s 2013-2015 budget, according to the staff report.

City staff noted that community members are asking that the project provide more community benefits, especially affordable housing. “(But) there is no requirement in the Planning Code requiring that the project provide affordable housing,” the report said.

In response to the criticism of the lack of community benefits, the report said, “The developer has agreed to include designing, improving and maintaining the (nearby) stormwater treatment facility. The developer has also agreed to not sell condominium conversion rights from the project site.”

The .92-acre parcel – adjacent Dewey Academy, a public high school – was created during the construction projects related to Measure DD, a $198 million bond passed in 2002.

Measure DD, which was financed by taxpayers, paid for the renovation and restoration of the western end of Lake Merritt and the Lake Merritt Channel, the narrowing of the roadway between the convention center and the lake, and the connecting of the two properties by pedestrian bridges.

The Oakland Planning Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1 at 6 p.m. in Hearing Room 1 of Oakland City Hall.

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Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

Published

18 hours ago

December 20, 2024

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City of Oakland Celebrates Reopening of Main Library

“Libraries are such critical facilities for all Oaklanders, whether it’s children coming to story-time, adults reading the newspapers or borrowing the latest novels, and people engaging with a range of services and programs that the library hosts,” said Council President and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. “Such library services and programs are only possible when the facility’s electricity, heating, roof, and lighting are fixed and running efficiently. I’m proud to join this re-opening of our Main Public Library.”

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Left to Right- Jamie Turbak, Director of Library Services, LaTonda Simmons, Assistant City Administrator, Nikki Bas, President Oakland City Council, Shen Thao, Mayor of Oakland, Carroll Fife, Oakland City Councilmember District 3, Harold Duffey, Assistant City Administrator, Sean Maher, Projects Coordinator. Photo by Kevin Hicks.

The branch had been closed since May for critical infrastructure upgrades

Special to the Post

The City of Oakland leadership and community partners gathered to celebrate the reopening of the Main Library after completion of critical infrastructure upgrades to enhance the library’s facilities and provide a better experience for patrons.

Renovations include new roof installation, skylight repair, critical electrical system upgrades, new boiler control system installation, auditorium heating and cooling system installation, and improvements to lighting, flooring and ceilings throughout the building.

“This is truly something to celebrate, the reopening of our wonderful Main Library! I congratulate the staff and our partners for this important project to make the Main Library a more comfortable place for everyone for years to come, said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “Thank you to Oakland voters and the California State Library for making these crucial improvements possible.”

“Public libraries are a wonderful resource for our residents, offering a safe space for learning and being,” said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. “It is critical to improve and modernize our libraries so more members of our community can utilize and enjoy them. I’m excited that the necessary renovations to the Main Library have been completed successfully and thank everyone involved, particularly the City team, who helped secured the necessary grant funds for this work.”

“I am proud of the City staff and project partners who kept this important project on schedule and under budget,” said Assistant City Administrator G. Harold Duffey. “The library is an incredibly important resource for our community members, and this project is an investment into the library’s future.”

“December 2nd was a momentous occasion for Oakland Public Library as we proudly reopened the doors of the Main Library following extensive infrastructure repairs,” said Director of Library Services Jamie Turbak. “Closing the Main Library for six months was no easy decision, as it serves as the central hub for our library system and is truly the heart of Oakland. Yet, this renovation was essential, representing more than just physical upgrades—it reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”

The City Administrator Jestin Johnson also attended the press conference and signalled his support for the completion of the record-setting completion of the renovations. Gay Plair Cobb, a newly appointed Library Commissioner said the Library represents the soul and brains of our community.

The Oakland Public Library secured funding for these crititcal repairs through a variety of sources. The California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program awarded the Main Branch $4.2 million. To comply with the grant terms, the City of Oakland provided matching funds through Measures KK, as approved by the Oakland City Council in October 2023.

The Main Library will host an Open House to celebrate the reopening on February 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

About the Oakland Public Library

The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland in California and has been in existence since 1878. Locations include 16 neighborhood branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). The Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow. Oaklandlibrary.org

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BWOPA Honors Black Leadership and Legacy at 2024 Ella Hill Hutch Awards Dinner

On Dec. 5, BWOPA held its Annual Ella Hill Hutch Awards Ceremony, at the Fairmont Claremont Hotel in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills. At the event, the group comprised of Black women from various professional backgrounds, honored distinguished local and state leaders whose contributions have shaped civic engagement and advanced critical social issues impacting Black communities.

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

L-R: BWOPA State Executive Director LaNiece Jones; State Asm. Mia Bonta; BWOPA 2024 Man of The Year/Urban League SFBA CEO Ken Maxey; BWOPA State President Hon. Dezie Woods-Jones; State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas; Rowena Brown, Oakland Councilmember At-Large, Elect; BWOPA State Regional Director Vashone Huff. Courtesy photo.

By Oakland Post Staff

Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) is a statewide non-profit advocacy and membership organization committed to solving problems affecting Black Californians.

On Dec. 5, BWOPA held its Annual Ella Hill Hutch Awards Ceremony, at the Fairmont Claremont Hotel in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills.

At the event, the group comprised of Black women from various professional backgrounds, honored distinguished local and state leaders whose contributions have shaped civic engagement and advanced critical social issues impacting Black communities.

The evening was hosted by Dr. Shawna Charles, founder of The Charles Communications Group (CCG) headquartered in Los Angeles. Charles served as mistress of ceremonies.

With a track record of elevating voices and empowering communities, Charles’ leadership and insight brought a certain dynamism to the celebration.

“Each year, this event not only celebrates the enduring legacy of our beloved BWOPA founding member, Ella Hill Hutch, but also reaffirms and amplifies our unwavering commitment to building and sustaining Black political power across California,” said Dezie Woods-Jones, BWOPA founding member and State president.

“Ella Hill Hutch’s trailblazing leadership continues to inspire us as we forge ahead, empowering Black women to lead, advocate, and shape a more equitable future for all,” added Woods-Jones.

This year’s event introduced the DWJ Rising Star Award, honoring young leaders like Solano County Board Supervisors-elect Cassandra James, Danielle Motley-Lewis, Naomi Waters and newly elected State Assemblymember elect Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton).

According to organizers, the awardees all exemplify “the next generation of changemakers.”

Other awardees included:

Lifetime Achievement Awardees: Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) and Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson
Man of the Year: Kenneth Maxey, CEO of the Greater SF Bay Area Urban League
President’s Corporate Award: Yvette Radford, Kaiser Permanente
In the Spirit of Ella State and Chapter Awards: Dr. Carolyn Greene, Dr. Marcella K. Smith, Dr. Carolyn Drake, Tinisch Hollins, Jackie Jones, Gloria Burgess Johnson, Tamika L’Ecluse, Ellen Nash, Betty Reid Soskin, and Ay’Anna Moody.

BWOPA also celebrated local champions across its chapters, including leaders in voter education, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and community advocacy.

In a statement, BWOPA said, “Honoring Ella Hill Hutch’s legacy, BWOPA recognizes her pioneering efforts as the first Black woman elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Her tireless work amplifying underrepresented voices continues to inspire BWOPA’s mission to build Black political power across California.”

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, partners and allies who believe in BWOPA’s vision to invest in building power for Black women’s leadership,” said LaNiece Jones, BWOPA State executive director. “Your support ensures that Black women have a voice at decision-making tables locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally, advancing diversity and equity in leadership spaces.”