"Maybe three times a week we go to Trader Joe's. I would really, really miss it being gone. It is part of a little bit of a community hub here," said Patricia Helyer, who lives walking distance from the store.
The City of Oakland confirmed that San Francisco-based Align Real Estate submitted a proposal on Wednesday to build two towers - 25 and 31 stories tall - on property reportedly owned by Albertsons, the parent company of Safeway.
"I have a 93-year-old mom and we have been working on her housing. So, it's an important issue. However, I also think neighborhood integrity is an issue. There is nothing high-rise over here," said Oakland resident Jeri Boomgaarden.
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Align Real Estate declined an interview request, but in a statement to ABC7 Eyewitness News, it says some of the 415 units being planned will be assisted living apartments. This could lead to 150 full time jobs in areas like healthcare. The project includes approximately 371 independent living apartments, 18 assisted living and 26 memory care residences. It remains unclear how many may be affordable housing units.
"This project is about helping seniors stay in the neighborhoods they call home," says David Balducci of Align Real Estate in the statement. "By placing senior housing near transit, services, and shops, we're giving older adults the opportunity to age in place with dignity and independence, while also freeing up family homes for the next generation. In turn, this will reduce pressure on families and the healthcare system while strengthening the long-term vitality of the Rockridge corridor."
"In the proposal, the developer seeks to strengthen the vital of Rockridge. But by ripping out Trader Joe's, a vital member of our community, you are not strengthening the vitality of our neighborhood," says Casey Farmer, Chair of the Rockridge Community Planning Council, which focuses on quality-of-life issues for the neighborhood.
Farmer says her organization plans to meet with developer to discuss their concerns.
In a statement to ABC7 Eyewitness News, the City of Oakland confirms that the proposed project includes, "demolition of the existing grocery store." That is raising concerns since many see Trader Joe's as an economic anchor for business district.
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"People, again, come from outside of Rockridge to come shop here which brings an influx of foot traffic to our local merchants," says Devan Meneses, President Rockridge District Association.
Meneses says she is open to building senior housing in the area, but questions utilizing the recently passed California State Bill 79 for this project. SB79 allows for high density housing near major transit hubs.
"What I do find interesting is that this proposal is in response to the SB79 law that was signed. From my understanding, that was to bring workers closer to BART stations, that they could take public transportation to work," says Meneses. "And this proposed community right next to a BART station, I would venture to assume are not going to be commuting anywhere in particular."
The project is being developed in partnership with an unnamed leading Bay Area nonprofit senior living organization described by Align Real Estate as having, "more than 65 years of experience serving older adults."
A city planner will review the materials. "After the pre-application process is complete, the applicant will then determine whether to submit a development application to proceed with the project. If the applicant submits a development application, the planning staff will determine subsequent regulatory steps," the City of Oakland's statement says.