Land Use issues

In 2005, RCPC lost a hard-fought battle against the installation of the Maison Nou-veau real estate firm in a ground-floor space on College Avenue. In the process, Maison Nouveau offered two concessions to the Rockridge community: an art gallery and a home design library, both to be located in the front lobby of the building and accessible to the public during normal business hours. These concessions were incorporated in the conditional use permit granted by the City.

Maison Nouveau recently moved out, and has been replaced by McGuire Real Estate Co. However, the use permit and its conditions remain applicable to the new business.

Following up on a recent complaint, RCPC discovered that the artwork had been replaced by travel posters and the “library” had been reduced to a single bookcase along one wall. RCPC notified the City of the apparent violation and has met with the building’s owner, Heather Sittig.

A new art exhibit has now been installed and Ms. Sittig assured RCPC that she would comply with the use permit conditions, but is awaiting new furniture for the library. RCPC will continue to monitor compliance with the City’s use permit conditions. City case planner: darin Ranelletti (238-3663, dranelletti@oaklandnet.com ).