Redevelopment Expansion Proposal for North Oakland

September 13, 2005

Dear Neighbor:

Last spring, city staff brought forward a proposal to expand the North Oakland Redevelopment area to include new areas west of Telegraph Avenue. At my urging, over the last several months, staff has brought this idea to community meetings around North Oakland to get input.

I have heard from a lot of people about the Redevelopment proposal, both at community meetings and here in the office. The response to the proposal has been mixed. Many people are excited about the potential for increased economic development in their neighborhoods, particularly along commercial corridors. Many others are concerned about the impact of redevelopment on the General Fund and fearful about the potential for abuse of redevelopment powers.

I have felt all along that to be successful redevelopment expansion would require broad community support. We have had significant community participation in the discussion about redevelopment and a lively debate but no consensus about moving forward. I therefore have concluded that the current proposal does not have the kind of support that it would need to be successful. I have requested City Staff to withdraw their proposal for expansion of the redevelopment area.

Thank you to everyone who participated in community meetings and enlivened this discussion.

Very Truly Yours,

Jane Brunner
Vice Mayor
Councilmember, District 1