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NEWS:

February 2024

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT RELEASED and CITY MEETINGS ON CCA PROJECT:
Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board
Oakland Planning Council

IMPORTANT NOTE: Residents of Oakland may comment on the DEIR during the Public Comment Period. ALL PUBLIC COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING NO LATER THAN 4:00 p.m. on March 12, 2024.

What is a Draft EIR? It is a public information document that assesses the potential physical environmental impacts that could result from construction and use of the Project, recommends mitigation measures to lessen or eliminate adverse impacts, examines feasible alternatives to the Project, and is intended to inform City of Oakland decision makers, other responsible agencies, and the general public.
Download the DEIR
and UBA’s DEIR Report in addressing issues of concern to the community.

Here is the City’s synopsis of the DEIR:

The CCA project may include: 

1. The demolition of 10 historic buildings within the CCA Area of Primary Importance (API), 

2. Preservation and renovation of the two Treadwell Estate Oakland Landmark buildings and the Broadway Wall and stairs

3. Renovation of 63,727 square feet of open space, and

4. Development of up to 510 residential units in two buildings of up to ten stories (95’ high), 

5. 16,945 square feet of commercial space, 

6. 227 parking spaces, and 510 bicycle spaces.

UBA reviewed the DEIR and submitted our comments to both the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board and the Oakland Planning Commission. Our volunteers analyzed the DEIR for how the proposed project would impact the environment of North Oakland, and submitted a lengthy and detailed response to both LPAB and OPC. As usual, we are focused on the issues that our community has told us are of primary concern: Traffic/Congestion, Aesthetics, Affordability, Zoning, Fire-Life Safety, Trees/Green Space, Historical/Cultural Preservation, Sustainability, and Density.

Download the DEIR
and UBA’s DEIR Report in response.

January 2023

We are looking forward to seeing progress soon on our local issues. No news yet regarding the development plans for the CCA site. We are hoping the Environmental Impact Report will be made public in this quarter.
RCPC TOWN HALL re:
FUTURE OF THE RIDGE
We at UBA are very interested in development at The Ridge (the vacant lot at Pleasant Valley and Broadway, former site of Safeway), especially regarding inclusion of affordable housing and the maximum building height at that location. We urge you to participate and make your views known about what kind of development you want to see there.
HOW TO JOIN THE TOWN HALL:

On Wednesday, January 25, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Rockridge Community Planning Council's Land Use Committee will be holding a "virtual town hall" for residents of Rockridge and neighboring communities to discuss housing and other uses for this critical site.
Agenda: 

1. Welcome and context setting for the site

2. Break-out groups, Round 1 on topic: What type of housing and for whom should be developed on the Ridge site?

3. Break out groups, Round 2 on topic: What should the housing look like and what other amenities and uses might accompany it?

4. Next steps.
   
   LINK to join the Zoom meeting from your computer or mobile phone:
        https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84420143459?pwd=ejJZUlNaTFNmZDJ4Nm0yWEpxZGFKQT09 
   
   Or dial-in from a landline phone:
        Tel:+1-669-900-6833
        Meeting ID: 844 2014 3459
        Passcode: 616133
   
   One-tap link to dial-in from a mobile phone:
        tel:+16699006833,,84420143459#,,,,*616133#

november 2022

Thanks to conscientious neighbors Home Depot has decided to pull out of the proposed project at The Ridge Shopping Center (Broadway and Pleasant Valley)! Over 4400 people signed the petition and some of them showed up at a rally of opposition sponsored by Upper Broadway Advocates, Piedmont Avenue Neighborhood Improvement League, Rockridge Community Planning Council and Housing Action Coalition. Read about here:  https://therealdeal.com/sanfrancisco/2022/11/14/the-home-depot-pulls-out-of-proposed-north-oakland-site/

Caring neighbors and diverse organizations came together to make this happen. It's clear from your comments and the enthusiasm expressed at the rally that housing is the preferred option for this site. Hopefully we can channel that enthusiasm and eventually see a great housing project built on this important site. Thank you all for signing, spread the word, rallying and talking to the press. It worked because of you! Find survey results and more about The Ridge here

See CBS News TV interview of Oct. 15, 2022
See KTVU News Interview Oct. 15 2022

What is happening on upper Broadway in North Oakland?

PROGRESS REPORTS:

CCA SITE DEVELOPMENT

FALL 2022

UPDATE ON DESIGN GUIDELINES
The redevelopment project at the CCA campus at Broadway and College continues to move ahead. The latest design shows improvement in that it varies the heights and setbacks of parts of the structure to reduce the visual impact of these two very large buildings. It also retains the historic wall and gates, which will help shield the public park from a very busy street.

But there are some very negative aspects of the new design and its accompanying Design Guidelines (admin. draft of Oct. 2022) which were made public at the City’s Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board (LPAB) on September 12. They show an increasing height, now up to nine stories and 95 feet in several places, and one building over 450 feet in length. ( See response to the the updated Guidelines in the LPAB Staff Report, and response and comments from UBA and from the Oakland Heritage Alliance. )

For reference, the nearest tall building in North Oakland is the five story Merrill Gardens, 60 feet high, just across the street. There is also a four-story apartment complex directly behind the project which will be dwarfed by the proposed building. Other recently constructed residential projects along Broadway and other nearby commercial corridors has been five to six stories.

Another disturbing direction is the newly added “amenities” building, two or perhaps three stories, with a large, ground-level view terrace. We don’t know what will be in this building — a pool, a spa, a gym, a bar? — but it, and its terrace, will NOT be open to the general public. This further reduces the size of the public park.

The project has increased the number of units to 510. We do not yet know if this is because of an increase in net residential square footage or because of an increase in smaller units and a decrease in larger ones. (Ten studios are not the same as five two-bedroom units). The developer should provide figures on the actual net residential square footage they propose, not just the number of units. Fifty-five percent of the units are studios or apartments of less than 800 sq. ft.

The percentage of affordable units remains at 10%, with “affordable” defined as a family of four earning up to $157,075.

The LPAB declined to endorse this project because it would destroy an important historic site (an API, Area of Primary Importance) and asked for further study. The City’s Design Review Committee meeting originally scheduled for September 28 has been postponed.

Along with the actual project, the City is considering the Design Guidelines, an equally important but difficult to comprehend 100+ page document. City staff requested site-specific design guidelines “to provide documentation of how characteristics of the existing Campus and the surrounding neighborhood could be incorporated into redevelopment of the site…” The Guidelines will overrule existing ordinances and codes, and will remain in force for any project that might be built, whether by the present developer or another. The developer pays for development of the Guidelines and has been working closely with its writers, so it is difficult to determine who is driving what at this point. We see no way that the proposed Guidelines, which sanction building heights up to 95 feet (page 11), reflect the API nor the neighborhood context.

UBA’s position has been consistent. We have advocated for: 1. A height limit of seven stories — 75 feet; 2. 20% affordable housing including units for low-income families; 3. A large public park; and
4. A robust arts program in the two historic buildings to be preserved.

The Rockridge Community Planning Council has not taken a public position although in a recent letter to the developers RCPC did not object to the proposed height.

You can go to 5212Broadway.com to see the developer’s current proposal, including detailed drawings.

SPRING 2022

DESIGN GUIDELINES RELEASED FOR CCA PROJECT:
In Spring 2022, developer Emerald Fund/Equity Community Builders released their Design Guidelines for the “5212 Broadway” project. Presentations were made to UBA, to Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC,) and to the Oakland Heritage Alliance for their particular review as the campus is an Area of Primary Importance historically. This is a major step in the project as the Guidelines follow the property regardless of changes in ownership or developer .

-ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
There is currently no projected release date for the draft Environmental Impact Report, per Spring 2022 update by the City Planning Department. A second iteration of plans calls for two residential structures, eight stories in height, a park, and retention of two historic buildings. As is standard with EIRs, the City has included several alternatives whose environmental impact will be studied. One of the alternatives is a 21-story tower. We will watch this closely, and when the draft EIR is delivered if there is positive evaluation of the tower, or if any other issues call for community response, we will notify our mailing list. Go to 5212broadway.com to see the developer's proposals.

march 2021

UBA CONDUCTS THREE TOURS FOR THE DEVELOPERS AND ASSOCIATES

In March, developers Emerald Fund and Equity Community Builders (Emerald/ECB) gave a slide presentation via zoom to UBA illustrating their thinking so far on the CCA site project. This included select examples of architecture from around the CCA campus and the area, and their second iteration of proposed plan options https://app.box.com/file/790697119191 .

After seeing Emerald’s initial presentation we were somewhat concerned that they focused on the eclectic nature of the architecture at the CCA site and on many atypical area structures which do not respect the Rockridge tradition. It looks to us like the developers might view the CCA site as an extension of the Broadway corridor with its high rises and cold, impersonal aesthetic, whereas we see it as the southern anchor to College Avenue with its small businesses and green, walkable neighborhoods.

After the meeting, we followed with an explanatory letter; here is an excerpt:

“Remember that the vast majority of space in Rockridge is residential and that is where the Rockridge style can be found. It is not wildly eclectic at all, as on College Avenue, but consistently rooted in tradition. The details may vary, even the styles from Craftsman to Mediterranean, etc., but they show a respect for historic values—masses, colors, rhythms, materials, relation to the street, landscaping, trees, etc.”

UBA THEN CONDUCTED THREE TOURS OF THE CCA SITE AND NEIGHBORHOOD
with key members of the development team. Our purpose was to show them the prevailing, largely traditional architecture of the neighborhood as a model for design that respects the context of Rockridge. Trees, gardens, and an openness to the street are evident everywhere. In short, the structures are welcoming and human-scale.

MAY 2021

1. DESIGN GUIDELINES TOUR

UBA gave a tour for SiteLab, engaged by Emerald/ECB to develop Design Guidelines for the site, as requested by the City's Design Review Subcommittee. After the Design Guidelines are received, architects will begin the design process. In addition to the on-site tour UBA provided SiteLab with a comprehensive list of items of historical value we believe should be preserved on the CCA site.

JULY 2021

2. NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURE TOUR

Developers Emerald/ECB have replaced their former project architect with a new company, Mithun. UBA members conducted a neighborhood tour with a Mithun Partner, the Project Manager, and Project Designer.

We discussed with our guests the challenge of creating human-scale buildings that are tall and dense, as the project proposes, but also reflect the history of the site. We believe they understand that a contemporary Brutalist box with superficial details such as tile decoration and balconies is not acceptable. We also advocated for substantial recognition of the history and cultural value of the site, well beyond just placing a few explanatory plaques. And we continue to advocate for ways to incorporate 20% affordable housing for low and moderate incomes.

You can see the Emerald and SiteLab’s proposal dated 7/7/21 at https://app.box.com/s/rt0rk0u2e8of1awm4syjzhf6qi790jli We encourage you to send your comments to SiteLab's Director, Laura Crescimano, at lcrescimano@sitelaburbanstudio.com and please be sure to CC ubaoakland@gmail.com.

august 2021

3. LANDSCAPING TOUR

Lastly, UBA conducted a tour of the CCA site for members of CMG Landscape Architects, the firm Emerald/ECB has engaged for the project. We emphasized the importance of trees, greenery, and open space in our area, so starved for parks. As we had become increasingly alarmed by the disappearing trees and shrubbery on the CCA site, we wanted to ensure that CMG knew how important the trees - and their proper maintenance (including watering during this extreme drought) - are to the neighborhood. However, as the property legally belongs to CCA, this duty would fall to them, not to the developer and associates. If you are interested in the trees on the site, see the arborists report and the map of trees on the CCA site. (Note: this does not include indication of trees recently removed.) UBA is watching the condition of the trees closely.

Spring 2021

FINALLY SOME GOOD NEWS ABOUT HOUSING:
UBA Welcomes New Residents at CCA’s Former Dorm

Clifton Hall at the corner of Clifton and Broadway is receiving new residents in its transitional family facility. By late January 59 residents, of whom 31 are children, had moved in.*

One floor of CCA’s former dormitory has been set aside for 20 families while they seek permanent homes. This facility differs from many others in that men in the family are allowed, not just women and kids. Residents can remain all day while some other shelters require that everyone leave in the morning. Support services for residents are part of the project, as well as follow-up after a family moves to permanent housing. “The best thing about Clifton,” one of the mothers reported, “is that I can bring my family back together again…Clifton Hall does everything in its power to keep a family together.”

WELCOMING NEW NEIGHBORS
Upper Broadway Advocates raised funds from our community and local merchants to provide Clifton Hall’s families and senior residents with welcome bags full of merchant gift cards and other small items. Thank you for your generosity, neighbors and local businesses!

*according to Patricia Springer, Lead Case Manager of Family Matters Shelter, the newest project of the East Oakland Community Project.

Who are Upper Broadway Advocates?

UBA was formed by independent, unaffiliated Rockridge neighbors* who live and/or work near the CCA site to respond to the proposed development plan. We want to work with the City, CCA, developers, fair housing advocates, and other stakeholders to ensure that the community has input into what happens at this large, critical site — as in the rest of our City of Oakland.

Our Mission is to:

• Promote neighborhood evolution that is a model of beauty, sustainability, affordability and density

• Aspire to reflect the diversity of Oakland and the character of Rockridge

• Pursue a substantial increase in affordable housing

• Focus initially on redevelopment of CCA Campus and surroundings

• Continue the artistic heritage of the CCA site and trees

What are the issues?

Below are the main issues as identified by UBA and by the community poll we took in the summer of 2019. In sum, neighbors are concerned that Rockridge is becoming too gentrified, and we will lose even more diversity if only luxury units are built. Furthermore, Rockridge and the surrounding communities are some of Oakland’s most charming and livable areas; architectural styles and development size must be harmonious and contiguous with existing buildings while also bringing the appropriate infill and density and must be built to modern sustainable and green requirements.

Go to the Issues & Concerns page or click on each subject below.

1. affordability
2. design & aesthetics, scale & Density
3. sustainability
4. traffic, Parking, & safety
5. historic preservation and arts legacy
6. zoning & city planning

WHAT UBA WANTS TO SEE AT THE CCA SITE:

• Substantially more affordable housing in the new construction.

• Building heights in line with the five to six story buildings recently constructed on Broadway north of W. MacArthur. No building higher than 75 feet (six to seven stories.)

• Ample space for rental cars, car shares, bikes, taxis, Uber, Lyft and other alternate forms of transport, free or reduced bus passes, a jitney to BART, increased enforcement of adjacent neighborhood residential permit parking.

• Residential permit parking in the surrounding community (if they want it) to dissuade residents of the development from parking in the adjacent neighborhood.

• A concrete plan to creatively preserve and re-use more of the existing historic buildings and surrounding landscape and to retain more trees.

• A commitment from the city to complete a traffic study of the area to increase pedestrian safety and improve the flow of traffic.

• Coordinated planning to include the adjacent Ridge development.

What we’ve been doing

With community input and support we have expressed to the Oakland Planning Commission and Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board the deep concerns many of us have about the proposed tower and impact of such a large development. These concerns were developed in an inclusive participatory process in which about 200 community members came to two public meetings to give us their ideas and opinions about the proposed development at the CCA site. We have pursued active engagement with both the City and developers throughout the process to ensure that the community has input on this large and influential project. That continuing engagement is seeing results as draft plans from the developer evolve.

Meanwhile, we continue to reach out and listen to more neighbors as the process moves forward. Learn more about our inclusive process on our Community Input page. Go to our UBA in Action page to learn more about what UBA is doing.

*UBA's Steering Committee of Rockridge residents:
Janis Brewer, Steve Cook, Leslie Correll, Joe Johnston, Nicole Lazzaro, Tom Lollini, Jennifer McElrath, Michael Reardon, Kirk Peterson, Kurt Scherer, Myrna Walton.

CLICK HERE TO join us

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