Project
Update article reports RCPC had not yet heard the identity of the new tenant at press time. Detailed zoning analysis published: a CUP is required for food sales; if Ross takes the space it would need a CUP for any use over 7,500 sq ft; the liquor license has expired; and the site is within 1,000 feet of Claremont Middle School, requiring a zoning variance for alcohol sales. RCPC is discussing a proactive stance if negotiations fail.
College Avenue, Rockridge (former Albertsons site)
A brief correction note states that Albertsons has not revealed whether it accepted any bids made on the vacant College Avenue site, indicating the site is actively being marketed to prospective tenants and developers.
Front-page story reports that Albertsons LLC and Terranomics are having difficulty accessing the loading dock and showing the property to prospective tenants and developers. RCPC Land Use Committee is working with Albertsons representatives and Councilmember Jane Brunner. ROSS Dress for Less is identified as a potential new tenant, though the article notes the College Avenue site is most likely not among the 40 ROSS sites under consideration. RCPC sent a letter to Cerberus Capital (Albertsons' owner); a neighborhood planning process resumed studying the 1994 Rockridge Area Plan and mapping building heights along College Avenue.
Front-page story reports the property is 'in contract to be purchased' as of December 1, 2006, per Mark Koenig of Terranomics, though the buyer's identity is undisclosed. Rumors circulate of Trader Joe's, Ross Dress for Less, and mixed-use housing/retail. UC Berkeley Haas/Goldman School students suggested 85 apartments/condos plus 10,000 sq ft of retail. An announcement is expected within 30 days. RCPC is considering negotiation conditions including traffic analysis, pedestrian safety, lighting, and landscaping as conditions of any new CUP.
Update article reports RCPC had not yet heard the identity of the new tenant at press time. Detailed zoning analysis published: a CUP is required for food sales; if Ross takes the space it would need a CUP for any use over 7,500 sq ft; the liquor license has expired; and the site is within 1,000 feet of Claremont Middle School, requiring a zoning variance for alcohol sales. RCPC is discussing a proactive stance if negotiations fail.
“Albertsons to close their parking lot to the public because … a solution that keeps the lot open and provides designated parking slots for Claremont Middle School teachers.”2006_11 - Front page article, November 2006
“the Land Use Committee has learned that the College Avenue site is 'most likely not among the 40 sites under consideration' by ROSS.”2006_11 - Albertsons article continuation, November 2006
“Rumors: Trader Joe's, Ross Dress for Less, and mixed-use housing/retail. UC Berkeley Haas/Goldman School students suggested 85 apartments/condos + 10,000 sq/ft retail.”2006_12 - Albertsons front-page article, December 2006
“property 'in contract to be purchased' per Mark Koenig of Terranomics”2006_12 - Albertsons front-page article, December 2006
“Rumors Abound Regarding Fate of Albertsons Site”2006_12 - Front page headline, December 2006