Jeanette:

I don't understand your objections. Do you have any issues concerning the merits of the application? What do you mean by mindlesness?

Robert

No objections from me to the revised Cox Cadillac
proposal, although the Adams Pointers who sent in the funny believe that they were promised either a Trader Joe's or a Market Hall (Rockridge) -- something like that.

The "mindlessness" referred to is that almost all of our politicians duck the hard questions all the time.

They'll say, 'This project is good because XXX' a fill-in-the-blank answer. They won't present the pros and cons of a proposal for serious discussion.
As long as politicians refuse to engage rational members of the public in discussion, as long as there is a 'we-they' barrier, and as long as Oakland city councilmembers continue to cut deals in private, we all lose.

There was no spin-doctoring in my message to my constituents. I was straight-forward and clear about issues they had raised before regarding density and access to the store. It appears that those concerns would be addressed by this proposal. I notified the community as soon as I had heard someone was buying the project from Avalon. I opened the door for more communication as concerns are raised. This is one example where it seems you really had to strain to be negative.

If you have issues with the scooters, Golden Bear and Another Option (on Jayne Ave.), the best way to address them is to be direct. I submitted comments to the city manager's office relaying all the complaints I get about the the Golden Bear for their hearing on a cabaret permit. I am working on a legislative solution regarding scooters. I am trying to address the issues on Jayne Avenue as well. A perpetual negative spin on anyone's part doesn't get to the nitty gritty of the issues and the complexity in finding solutions. I never ignored anyone's interest in wanting to work on El Embarcadero. Interest over the last two years was very limited. The project is moving ahead now that it got DD funding.

I agree with Nancy that her announcement was very straight-forward and clear, and I'm happy to see any kind of grocery store there along with housing, rather than the blight that has been there for years.

On another issue, what's going on with the Lake Merritt Lodge? It seems like they didn't finish painting and landscaping and many of the windows are broken.

Dear Steve,
Thanks for your comments.
The point about the "recipe" is that anything that is said using that template _always_ sounds convincing and straightforward because the negatives are usually left out. That's why it works so often.

Your comment about Lake Merritt Lodge is great --
who is responsible? Who is accountable? Why is that neighborhood continuing to suffer from the negligent City handling of Lake Merritt Lodge?

Keep reading and keep posting,

Jeannette

I have no problem with the proposal for Cox Cadillac, but it would have been nice to receive the survey, as I live in the district.

I think the same approach should be used regarding Uptown and the Ballpark / Housing debate. Which, should not be a debate at all; both can be done.

In fact, on that note, the redevelopment agency still has not merged the project areas, yet claimes to be broke. Consistent mismanagement.

A sad tale of people in charge, not understanding what they can do under the law.

Zen

I'm an Adams Point Neighbor and have been following many of the issues you mentioned quite closely. Just want to make a few quick comments before I dash off to work:

1. Trader Joe's vs. Whole Foods:
Trader Joe’s, unfortunately, turned the Cox site down several years ago. The neighbors and Nadel pushed for it, but Trader Joe’s didn't like the limited parking. Like Steve, I personally think that the project is a good one, assuming that it passes design review and has adequate parking. I'd have to defer to the Adams Point Preservation Society on that one though, as they are much closer to the process and design review than me.

2. Golden Bear:
Problems with any alcohol outlet are controlled by the ABC, an arm of the law which has been seen by many as ineffective. I know that Nadel has worked with neighbors closest to the bar (I count myself as one of them) in trying to resolve the ongoing problems with the noise, drag racing and the like. At the last NCPC meeting, the council member, who strongly encouraged folks to attend and speak their minds, gave information about the cabaret licensee hearing to the group. The cabaret permit was denied last week.

3. Scooters
There are three group neighborhood entities/groups/councils in Adams Point. Our particular group has been working with the council member's office quite closely about the scooter issue over the past year. as has the local NCPC. I can confirm her statement that she is working on legislation regarding scooter safety.

4. The Green Link Task Force
The Embarcadero Green Link task force had broad representation over the five years of its existence. (By "broad" I mean members are made up of folks from neighborhood groups and neighbors who were non-affiliated.) Although I was not active in the fifth year of the task force, I did attend its final meeting in the library when the body finalized its recommendation (for later inclusion in the Lake Merritt Master Plan.) The meeting room at our little library was packed -- with some familiar faces and many new. People were interested and engaged. They seemed to be committed to finding creative solutions. They looked satisfied with the final product. So I would have to disagree with the council member on that point that the interest seemed to be waning.... although I can confirm that there was some refreshment of the ranks. And now the project is funded. It will be one of the first projects to be developed when the DD funding finally drops into place.

So. Your complaint with that particular process would be....???

Nancy Rieser