Dimond News

by Hoang Le Banh

Hillcrest Motel Demolished

It's still hard for some to believe, but the Hillcrest Motel really is gone. The last building came down in early November. Tito Tayco, our DIA treasurer, expressed feeling "more peaceful and secure as I walk between my home and office anytime, especially at night, now that the Hillcrest Motel is gone."

Domus Development, the buyer of the now-vacant site, submitted an application to the City of Oakland for affordable housing funds for the proposed Lincoln Court. After much community input before, during, and after the October 15 meeting at Dimond Recreation Center, Domus reduced the density of the project from 120 units to 80 units of senior affordable housing. This brings the height down from four stories to three. Domus also reduced the amount of commercial space from the originally proposed 16,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet to be occupied entirely with an adult day health center operated by Self-Help for the Elderly.

The city will announce the funding awards in February, at which time Domus will submit an application to the state for housing bonds. The DIA wrote a letter of support. Domus will continue to provide project information by posting updates on the Dimond Web site and should be ready for another community meeting in April, when escrow is expected to close.

As density, height, and parking and traffic concerns have now been somewhat eased, setbacks and property management remain big concerns. For those who have recently tried to sign up for the message board (www.dimondnews.org/message.html) to post questions and comments about the Hillcrest development, there seems to be some technical difficulty, as several people have reported not getting passwords yet. DIA is looking into this. Meanwhile, questions, comments, and answers can be posted to the message board if you e-mail them to me at hbanh\@lmi.net.

Altenheim Redevelopment

The DIA also submitted a letter of support for an application to the City of Oakland for housing funds for the Altenheim, with contingencies in regards to continuing a process that involves further discussion about density, height, setbacks, parking, traffic, management, and more. Citizens Housing, which was selected by the Altenheim board to redevelop the historic senior housing facility, applied for funds for Phase 1 of the project, which entails restoration of four historic structures and creating 67 units. Yes, that means that Domus and Citizens are competing for the same pot of money for two major projects in the Dimond.

While everyone awaits the funding news, the Altenheim Community Subcommittee, which consists of representatives of surrounding neighborhood groups, including the Glenview Neighborhood Association (GNA), Dimond Improvement Association (DIA), Elston Avenue Block Association, Sheffield Avenue Block Association, and the Woodruff Avenue Block Association, will continue to be hard at work, as this redevelopment consists of two phases. The final project is to result in 175 units of senior affordable housing. Another presentation by Citizens Housing at a community meeting is expected in early December.

Welcome to Paradise and a Really Cool Spot

Paradise Bookstore is now open in the former Little Book Shop, and Subway is ready to move in just a few doors away. Across the street, Monica's Candles opened for business.

Then there's the Cool Spot, where Shari Godinez (owner of Making Ends Meet and president of the Dimond Merchants), along with her brother, is serving up gelato, ice cream, smoothies, sundaes, banana splits, coffee, and much more where Tango Gelato once was.

A few doors away, Housewares, Etc. has opened and filled up its shelves. Let's not forget to mention Farmers Insurance, which actually opened earlier this year next to Dimond Library. There's a lot to check out, so stroll on down!

Dimond Survey Results Are In!

The results of the Dimond phone survey will be presented at the next DIA general meeting on December 3, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., at Dimond Library. The results of the written survey will be analyzed and put into a separate report. The next step in the streetscape and transit improvement planning effort is to discuss with the many agencies involved options for the additional $15,000 from Caltrans that has been allocated for Dimond planning. Once agreement is reached, with input from the community, the council should pass a resolution to accept the money, and then the wheels can begin turning.

Also, at the DIA meeting, City Attorney John Russo will report on city legal matters. Additionally, you will hear the latest on all the DIA committees' efforts, meet more neighbors, and share in this year's success.

DIA Volunteer of the Month for December

Finally, DIA would like to recognize Verne Vinella, longtime active member and board member. For countless years, she has assembled, labeled, and mailed the DIA newsletter to all our members. She delivers 200 copies of the MacArthur Metro to Dimond businesses. She's our mail checker and check signer. We've missed her lately, as she's been in the hospital, but we're overjoyed to see her home and still as spry as can be. Welcome back Verne!

Hoang can be reached at hbanh\@lmi.net.