Death of Oakland's Retail Plan
Oakland loses a $1 billion a year to other cities, and without redevelopment, the city's plans for a major shopping district in Upper Broadway may be history.
By Wendi Jonassen, John C. Osborn and Alex Park
- Stephen Loewinsohn
- Glenda Barnhart hopes that Upper Broadway will thrive even without a major retail project.
Page 3 of 3
John Mardikian, the general manager of Mua, a trendy eatery on Webster Street right where it meets Broadway, says he prefers that the area develop on its own, rather than have the city embark on a massive effort to attract large retail. His establishment has become a popular post-work hangout for local workers and residents living in the nearby condos, and he thinks that when the city steps into development issues, it "fucks it all up."
Still, there is reason for hope. Quan said last week in her state of the city speech that retail sales were up 12 percent in Oakland.
And while Barnhart is a supporter of redevelopment, the slow and steady growth that is happening in the area is helping keep her dream, and her store, Bay Area Bikes, alive. "Retail begets retail — just like restaurants," she said. "As more stuff has grown around them, it has helped our business."
Contact the author of this piece, send a letter to the editor, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
Comments (14)
Showing 1-14 of 14
Readers also liked…
-
'I'm Going To Get My Gun': Event Organizers at Ghost Ship Accused Derick Almena of Theft, Threats
'I am afraid this person might be unstable'
- Dec 5, 2016
-
Oakland Landlord Evicts Tenant, Then Hangs Pro-Trump Billboard on Building
'On Christmas Day I’m being evicted. Can you believe that?'
- Dec 2, 2016
-
Letters for the Week of January 25, 2016
Readers sound off about the news neutrality and events permitting.
- Jan 24, 2017
Latest in Feature
Author Archives
-
Hot, Hot Heat
Bay Area hot sauce-makers highlight local ingredients and international flavors.
- Mar 26, 2014
-
Race-Baiting in Richmond
How Big Business used race to drive a wedge through Richmond's progressive community — and why you should be concerned about it.
- Jan 23, 2013
- More»
Author Archives
-
The Canned Beer Revolution
Craft breweries are reclaiming the can.
- May 9, 2012
-
Sales Tax Battle Brews in Alameda
Measure C on the June ballot would raise money for public safety and infrastructure, but opponents say it's just a gift of public funds.
- Apr 18, 2012
- More»
News Blogs
News - July 11, 9:41 PM
Oakland Takes First Step Toward Cutting Ties with Federal Immigration Agency
Cannabis - July 10, 1:54 PM
City of Alameda Allows Pot Businesses on Island
News - July 10, 7:51 AM
Town Business: Stopping Bogus Evictions, Police Misconduct App, and Peter Van Kleef Way
