Fourth Street Lofts Web Log

So, what is scheduled to take it's place?

A new loft-condo building is planned for the site. I believe it was proposed to be approximately 8-10 stories in height with ground floor commercial/office space. The project went through environmental review several years ago, prior to my moving into the building, however, I know that other neighborhood residents were very active during the public comment period. A copy of the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) is available online in PDF format from the City of Oakland's Community Development Department website.

The project has been approved and cannot be disputed, however what needs to be monitored closely is the development teams adherence to whatever mitigation measures were required as a condition of approval pertaining to noise, hours of construction, parking, dust, etc. Some measures are discussed in the EIR to ameliorate or diminish these things. I've put a call in to Claudia Cappio, Development Director for the City of Oakland, inquiring who the project planner is and whether a construction mitigation plan exists.

There are several more mixed-use Loft projects slated to begin in the next 6-months and additionally, the Jack London Square redevelopment project is in the works. These projects have all been approved in one form or another without enough local input (both support and opposition), which is why it is important to establish a new community group to provide a strong voice for the entire Jack London District.

In general, I'm in favor of the new projects, especially given that this will go up across the street from us, and that I have no control over that, thus I'm functionally 'looking on the bright side'. Of course, it's easier to look on the bright side since I will retain the better 'half' of my view, which points kitty-corner to look over downtown. When they develop out THAT building, then I'll be sad. (or I'll just buy a unit there :-) )

I hope these new projects maintain the higher-end loft style to keep property values up instead of blander condos. Though some of the properties in the Sierra seemed a bit oddly shaped (the Ground Floor units had too much window for my comfort, welcome to my fishbowl) they did maintain a high standard of living for the area, so I certainly approve of that.

I'd like to see more in terms of critical mass for bringing in some ground floor development. Keep the liquor stores out, but bring in an Andronicos, some non-chain restaurants, more art, home furnishings, knick-knacks, whatever. Just fill those spots already.

And, of course this is much contested, but I think we could do more with our building to give it more of a signature style. The interior lobby, the stair wells, the exterior colors, these could all buffed up a bit to get them a bit shinier.

Oh, and when are we putting up the floating redwood deck on the roof. ;-)