UBA turns attention to The Ridge: site utilization survey and report
After the leaseholder floated an auto dealership, big-box store, or drive-thru restaurants for the long-vacant Ridge site, UBA surveyed neighbors — who resoundingly rejected all three and called for housing.
TRC Retail, the holder of a 90-year lease on The Ridge site at Broadway and Pleasant Valley, made public three options for development of the long-neglected corner: an automobile dealership; a big-box store; or drive-thru restaurants — and possibly additional retail shops similar to those next to Safeway.
UBA conducted a site utilization survey of nearby residents to gauge support for the three uses TRC proposed, with space for respondents’ own ideas. All three options were resoundingly rejected. Out of 249 responses, on a scale of 0 to 5, an automobile dealership scored 0.4, a big-box store scored 1.2, and drive-thru restaurants scored 1.1. Respondents’ own suggestions included local (not large-chain) shops, parks, recreation, and housing.
At a follow-up meeting, UBA presented the survey results, which favored a mix of commercial and housing. Although UBA strongly supports residential construction at this site, TRC reiterated that its lease does not permit residential use. We advised City Councilmember Dan Kalb of our meetings and survey results; he agrees that residential use is a priority and will do what he can to seek a change in the lease.
UBA also contacted PANIL, as both neighborhood groups share concerns about traffic, congestion, blight, and the future of this corner. PANIL conducted its own survey and reported much the same data — the combined survey results are available here.
It is clear that this key anchor point in Oakland’s geography urgently needs a carefully considered area plan that preserves neighborhood character while managing the development and density we know is coming. Meanwhile, the community is asking that the blighted lot — empty for more than five years — be cleaned up and its fencing replaced.