Housing, Yes… Towers, No
As Rockridge residents begin to understand the full impact of the proposed developments planned for the neighborhood, two local groups have stepped up to educate, inform, and organize the community.
Rockridge Neighbors for Sensible Housing wants the 6230 Claremont project to move forward as a thoughtful, long-term addition to the neighborhood. The group is calling for a transparent design review process and for the building’s height and massing to be more compatible with the surrounding community. More than 2,200 signatures have already been collected through a Change.org petition.
A second Change.org petition, organized by members of Upper Broadway Advocates, a volunteer group “working for a more sustainable city,” aims to save the Rockridge Trader Joe’s and modify the proposed “two terrible towers.” The group is asking developers to build mid-rise housing and retain the Trader Joe's grocery store on the site. UBA had successfully organized the public on the CCA project on Broadway to obtain 8 to 9 stories instead of 19 (though, the project remains uncertain). Go to the UBA website and sign up to join your neighbors in working toward obtaining a reasonable project at the site of Trader Joe’s.
Both groups say it is now up to Rockridge neighbors to step in where they believe our elected officials have fallen short.
Rockridge Voice, now in its sixth month, has more than 700 members. We have chosen to keep all of our content free, without a paywall, to make it accessible to everyone who is interested. We believe that a connected community is a stronger community, and that everyone deserves free access to local voices, diverse perspectives, and the people and organizations making a difference in our neighborhood.
With love and appreciation,
Anna L. Marks, editor/publisher
editor@rockridgevoice.com
If you like what you’ve seen so far, help us keep the momentum going. We can do it with your donation or subscription upgrade:
Get your free gift now, and let’s do this together!
Much more can be found in our latest edition,
see highlights below:
Petition Calls for Changes to Proposed Trader Joe’s Towers in Rockridge
A new petition on Change.org is calling for major changes to the proposed redevelopment of the Trader Joe’s site on College Avenue, urging the developer and the City of Oakland to pursue a mid-rise project that includes affordable and workforce housing while preserving the neighborhood grocery store. READ MORE
Aging in Place: What Kind of Places Do We Want to Live In?
As a senior, I'm tired of real estate developers, banks, and policymakers telling me how and where I should live. Too often, decisions about housing are driven by economics rather than by the everyday needs and aspirations of the people who actually inhabit these places. READ MORE
Tom Chantler Transforms A Lifetime of Experience through Art and Design
When you visit Tom Chantler in his Rockridge garage workshop, you'll see a large workbench surrounded by drawers of tools and supplies, which provide the perfect space to work on his steady stream of creative endeavors. READ MORE
How 1 Oakland Woman Is Building Community in an Increasingly Unaffordable Bay Area
An Oakland retiree responds to rising housing costs, homelessness and isolation by opening her home, helping neighbors and building community. READ MORE
Rendered with Care: Summer Solace Brings Traditional Tallow Skincare to Rockridge
When Megan Bre Camp opened Summer Solace on Claremont Avenue in Rockridge, she brought more than a skincare line. She brought years of experience in traditional food preparation, regenerative agriculture, and artisan craftsmanship. READ MORE
But wait, there’s more…
Jody Colley
Roberta Klugman
Guest Author
Guest Author
Letter to Editor: Proposed Development at 6230 Claremont Avenue
I am writing in opposition to the Senior Housing Project proposed for 6230 Claremont Avenue. My objections are based on geologic factors about the physical site that affect project residents and neighborhood safety.
Letter to the Editor: What Was That?
At the previous town hall meeting, residents were told that the two towers were being erected to provide affordable housing for senior citizens, with possibly 10%–12% allocated for low-income/affordable housing.
Help shape the future of Rockridge Voice — share this eZine with your neighbors, reply with your letters and story ideas, and join the conversation.