Save E. 12th St. for the People! Speak out at the Planning Commission meeting

Come speak out against the proposed sale of public land to a private developer for the construction of a luxury high-rise tower! On April 1 the Oakland Planning Commission will vote to approve or deny the proposed development at E. 12th St and 2nd Ave. Join neighbors and community members demanding that the Planning Commission reject the sale of this public parcel. Oakland needs more affordable housing, not luxury condos. Tell the city to stop this backdoor deal that will lead to more gentrification and displacement in the Eastlake neighborhood. Come speak out at City Hall on April 1 at 6 pm!

Background: On April 21, 2015, the Oakland City Council is poised to approve the sale of prime city property at E. 12th St. and 2nd Ave. to private developers for the construction of a 24-story luxury high-rise tower. This approximately one acre parcel of publicly-owned land is currently part of the Lake Merritt estuary and park ecosystem and is designated as a public right of way. The proposed development consists of 298 market-rate condominiums with a median monthly rent of $3,000 and zero affordable housing units, despite clear calls for affordable housing by local residents at community planning meetings. The only community benefits offered in this sale of public property are a privately-owned cafe and some landscaping of the property around the proposed high-rise.

We are very concerned about the inevitable wave of real estate speculation and displacement of working class communities of color that will result from this kind of development. Skyrocketing rents and an influx of new, wealthier residents are already impacting Oakland’s working class and immigrant communities and driving displacement. It is critical that city resources be dedicated to building affordable housing and promoting sustainable development that benefits existing local communities and respects the cultures and ecology of Eastlake neighborhoods.

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Petition: https://www.change.org/p/oakland-city-council-save-the-e-12th-st-parcel-for-the-people-3?recruiter=3523628&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive