Two proposed Rockridge developments remain front and center. The senior living project at the former blood bank site on Claremont has advanced, while the proposed senior living project at the Trader Joe’s site continues to spark debate and new concerns.
As always, our reporting reflects the views of many local residents, including those regarding building height and density, traffic and noise impacts, and the potential loss of a beloved neighborhood grocery store.
Rockridge has faced major changes before. Decades ago, more than 1,400 homes—many of them Craftsman cottages—were demolished to make way for Highway 24 and BART construction, leaving a lasting impact on the neighborhood that required years of recovery.
The questions surrounding these latest projects will be addressed at an upcoming community meeting hosted jointly by Rockridge Neighbors for Sensible Housing (whose petition has collected 1,745 signatures to date) and Upper Broadway Advocates (UBA). All are encouraged to attend. See below for more details.
We welcome contributions from everyone who wants to share their voice through our e-newsletter, and hope you enjoy reading these perspectives alongside the latest local news and updates.
Anna L. Marks
Publisher/Editor
editor@rockridgevoice.com
Two Upcoming Community Meetings About Claremont & TJ’s Two Towers
As community interest in the proposed developments continues to grow, residents should be aware of both the formal review process still ahead and the opportunities currently available to learn more. Read more
Local Artists Participate in East Bay Open Studios: June 6 & 7
East Bay Open Studios (EBOS) is back this June with over 180 local artists opening their studios to the public. Read More
Rockridge District Association Elects Executive Director
The Rockridge District Association (RDA) has appointed Devan Gregori to serve as its first Executive Director to help guide the organization into its next chapter. Read More
BODYROK Expands East Bay Fitness Options
BODYROK aims to make strength-focused movement accessible to a wide range of participants—suitable for all fitness levels and ages. Read More
What’s Blooming in Rockridge? Aristea major/Aristea capitata
Like many plants from the Western Cape, Aristea major can be slow to bloom the first few years in the ground, devoting much of its energy to root growth. Read More
New Housing Proposals Leave Many Questions Unanswered
Fifty years ago, Rockridge neighbors proactively petitioned Oakland to create a new neighborhood-oriented commercial zone and residential zones that protected and enhanced the historical housing stock needing repair and upgrades. Read More
Construction Impacts Local Retailers along College Avenue
The construction of Highway 24 (completed in 1969) and BART (completed in 1973) demolished roughly 1,400 local properties and devastated College Avenue’s commercial corridor for many years. Read More
Maximum Allowable Units: Getting the Math Right
I live on Auburn Avenue—6230 Claremont Avenue, the abandoned former site of the Red Cross Blood Bank, is right over my backyard fence. Read More
The Fight Over High-Rise Buildings in Rockridge
The recent proposals to build high-rise and mid-rise buildings in lower Rockridge bring to mind an argument from nearly 60 years ago. Read More
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