Project
Three previously approved mixed-use development projects — Civiq, Creekside, and Kingfish — are on hold due to financing difficulties in the economic downturn.
51st Street and Telegraph Avenue
CiviQ proposes a 67-unit mixed-use building at the former Pussycat Theater site at 51st Street and Telegraph Avenue, featuring a 65-foot tower and townhouses on Clarke Street. The project is scheduled for Planning Commission review January 4, 2006. The Temescal Neighborhood Association opposes the project while RCPC's Design Review committee praised the design.
Community opposition to the CiviQ 67-unit mixed-use project intensifies ahead of the January 4 Planning Commission hearing. A petition with over 500 signatures was gathered. A letter to the editor urges Planning Commissioners to deny the height variances the project requires.
The Oakland Planning Commission unanimously approved the CiviQ project on January 18, 2006 with conditions incorporating RCPC requests: a public greenbelt path, the Clarke Street building lowered, traffic and pedestrian solutions, the path deeded to the City, 25% affordable units, and greenbelt design review. The developer's letter cites 125 new residents and economic benefits for Temescal and Rockridge.
Community members are organizing a City Council appeal of the Planning Commission's January approval of the CiviQ project, with a March 21 City Council hearing. Letters in this issue include one opposing (Janelle Cavanagh urging appeal) and one supporting (Joshua Sperry).
Mixed-use project with 67 residential condos and ground-floor retail at 51st and Telegraph. Planning Commission approved unanimously in January 2006; a neighborhood group appealed to City Council, then reached an 11th-hour mediated settlement reducing building height and securing pedestrian safety funds.
Three previously approved mixed-use development projects — Civiq, Creekside, and Kingfish — are on hold due to financing difficulties in the economic downturn.
“The Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC) has taken no position on this project. The RCPC Design Review Committee has looked at the project and had praise for the design.”2005_12 - RCPC statement in article
“The Temescal Neighborhood Association has taken a position opposing the project.”2005_12 - Article description of opposition
“We are requesting that you as Planning Commissioners deny the variances being requested by the Civik development project at 51st and Telegraph Streets.”2006_01 - Letter to editor from Janelle Cavanagh
“Over 500 signatures have already been gathered from people who oppose the granting of variances.”2006_01 - Letter to editor from Janelle Cavanagh
“We are appalled at the dimensions of the proposed development at Telegraph Avenue and 51st Street. This is a historic corner, important to the fabric and life of our city, and to impose such a monstrous, post-modern project on our neighborhood is to rend that fabric and do a disservice to us.”2006_02 - Letter from Bill and Cynthia Tilden opposing the project