Development Proposal at 5295 College Avenue
by Casey Farmer, RCPC Chair
Many in our community are talking about the proposed development project at 5295 College Avenue. The developer, Allen Construction, proposes a 15-story building, with 88 apartments, 18 of which would be affordable units, and ~43,000 square feet of commercial offices and ground floor retail space. (See more information on the proposal at the developer's website (5295collegeavenue.com.) Understandably, this project is generating considerable controversy, both opposition and support. The RCPC board strongly supports more housing development, both affordable and market rate, in Rockridge. But we also recognize that this proposal is unusually tall and dense for its location. The RCPC Board has not taken a position on the project and believe that it is too early to do so for a number of reasons:
We're not sure that the developer has correctly interpreted and applied a number of new state law provisions that they represent as permitting the project's size and allowing for expedited approvals.
We're not sure if the project is financially feasible and could in reality be constructed now or in the future.
We believe it is necessary to solicit input from our community before taking any position.
On behalf of the neighborhood, we emailed the City of Oakland to ask about the City's position on the project, but have not heard back yet. RCPC will continue to follow the project, and communicate with the City, the developer and of course Rockridge residents.
