The Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC) truly appreciates all of the feedback and community conversation about the proposed housing project at the Trader Joe’s site. We have met with the developers twice to share this feedback, and are encouraged by and support the changes that have been incorporated into the proposed project as a result.
Concern over the loss of Trader Joe’s was the most frequent comment that was shared with RCPC, and we are pleased to see that Align Real Estate Partners, the developer, has responded to those concerns and revised the plans to include a grocery store at the ground floor, despite significant development challenges; we sincerely hope this will accommodate our Trader Joe’s. We also appreciate the modification to ensure that the retail space along College Avenue will be open to the public, as well as the commitment to increase the depth of the sidewalks along the perimeter of the project.
Regarding the height of the towers, while we appreciate the currently proposed reduction of seven stories, we also understand that introducing 20+ story towers into the heart of Rockridge remains controversial.
We will be advocating for community benefits commensurate with a project of this size and will share updates on those efforts as they develop.
We recognize that there are a range of viewpoints about the project, and RCPC remains committed to creating space for these voices, serving as a conduit for ongoing communication with the developers, and working to lessen the impacts of construction. To that end, we have established a liaison group, composed of the community members listed below, that will continue to share feedback and community concerns with Align.
Neighborhood Liaison Group for Trader Joe’s Project:
Jack Gerson, Auburn Avenue
Jennifer McElrath, Upper Broadway Advocates
Leslie Moldow, Chabot Road
Abe Coffman, Oak Grove Avenue
Tom Lollini, RCPC
Mark Aaronson RCPC
Kristen Belt, RCPC
Garrick Monaghan Beyer, RCPC
Jana Good, RCPC
We look forward to providing additional updates to the community as the project moves forward, and welcome your continued input on this
important project.λ
