Project
Local developer Kenneth Er purchased a historic 1889 cottage on Lawton Avenue for $750,000 and posted a notice of intent to demolish it for a new residence. The 79-year-old long-term tenant Bruce Parry (49 years in the cottage) faces displacement. Neighbors organized a petition and sought to invite the developer to a community forum. Er states he will not proceed until Parry is resettled.
Lawton Avenue, Rockridge/Oakland
Local developer Kenneth Er purchased a historic 1889 cottage on Lawton Avenue for $750,000 and posted a notice of intent to demolish it for a new residence. The 79-year-old long-term tenant Bruce Parry (49 years in the cottage) faces displacement. Neighbors organized a petition and sought to invite the developer to a community forum. Er states he will not proceed until Parry is resettled.
“Most of us have been here for at least 15 to 20 years and are concerned for his wellbeing. We're hoping to change the landlord's mind and let Bruce just live his days out there as a resident. It seems a pretty heartless thing to do when there are multiple other properties or investments that don't involve evicting a 79-year-old.”2023_03 - Neighbor Christian Luxton, quoted in article
“I've told Bruce I don't want to evict him, even if it's within my rights; it's the last option.”2023_03 - Developer Kenneth Er, quoted in article