When we launched Rockridge Voice in January, we believed that a free online news magazine focused exclusively on our local community would be well received—and we were right. It turns out that this kind of digital-only publishing is part of a national trend, often filling the void left by the many printed newspapers that once dotted the local and national landscape.
The way we receive our news may have changed, but the importance of independent journalism has not. Amazingly, there never seems to be a shortage of news to report…look for upcoming stories about the 30th Anniversary of the Rockridge Library, and the 25th Anniversary of Frog Park—both empowering examples of community organizing for a better neighborhood (coming in our September 8 edition).
For those who missed Rock-N-Stroll, hosted by the Rockridge District Association, this past Saturday, here is a quick video re-cap:
Images and Video Clips: Anna L. Marks and Carol Kasparek
Today, Rockridge finds itself at the center of a growing debate over land use and development. A combination of several laws, especially the State Density Bonus Law, the Housing Accountability Act, and SB 330, along with overly high maximum allowable densities from the City, have resulted in proposed building heights that greatly exceed what was previously permitted—even in projects that provide no affordable housing.
Developers of both luxury senior housing projects being planned for Rockridge (6230 Claremont and TJs on College) have made some recent adjustments to their original plans as a direct result of community pushback. Nonetheless, many residents emphasize that it remains imperative to maintain strong opposition to the excessive height and mass at 6230 Claremont, as well as the overall height of the College Avenue development—and to protect Trader Joe’s. As these stories continue to develop, so will our reporting.
Anna L. Marks
publisher/editor
Below are articles that have popped up recently regarding the planned housing project at the Trader Joe’s location (apologies for any that are still behind pay-walls or are no longer accessible):
August 17:
August 19:
- Bloomberg News: The Seniors against Senior Housing
- SF Chron: Oakland Housing Proposal Revised after Trader Joe's Backlash
August 20:
August 21:
- SF Gate: Public Outcry May Have Saved Oakland Trader Joe’s
- The Real Deal: Align Shrinks Plans for Oakland Senior Housing Towers on Grocery Site Amid Community Pushback
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See you in September.