Dimond News

by Hoang Le Banh

Happy 2004 and Year of the Monkey!

Here's a suggested new year's resolution: "I shall strive to better manage my time so as not to rush when driving, especially when going to work or taking my child to school." That way, speed bumps will not pop up on every residential street. Moreover, there will be less stress when backing out of driveways and crossing the street, including for squirrels. As a result, more people can enjoy strolling the neighborhood and walking their dogs.

Business

The results of the Dimond survey were finally available in mid-December 2003. This telephone survey, conducted in summer 2003, polled residents within a half-mile radius of Fruitvale and MacArthur. The results showed that banks, grocery/food stores, and the post office are the most often frequented businesses, followed by Longs Drugs and Dimond Library.

The survey results confirmed the need to improve the look of the business district, particularly to clean it up in order to attract residents into other businesses. Also, when asked about a weekend farmers' market in the Dimond, 84 percent of respondents liked the idea, emphasizing the desire for fresh produce. Respondents were also anxious to have a hardware store, followed by an Italian restaurant, pet supply store, health club, bagel shop, and sushi bar. In summary, demand is high for a greater variety and quality of goods and services.

Someone has long been eyeing the Dimond to open up a Curves. After much effort in finding sufficient space, the former Apollon Travel office on Champion near MacArthur has been converted into the much-anticipated women's gym, with an opening date of late January.

The Dimond survey was a collective effort of Dimond Improvement Association, Dimond Merchants Association, and City of Oakland Community and Economic Development Agency, Auditor's Office, and Councilmember Jean Quan. Thank you to everyone who supported this endeavor. We will continue to work together, making use of the data to better structure our efforts, particularly to attract businesses and funders to improve the business district, transportation, and other aspects of quality of life in the Dimond.

Written surveys were also done by those who visited Dimond businesses, those who live in and outside of the Dimond. Those results are expected soon.

Last but not least, Mel's Pancakes and Burgers has a lovely new canopy and signage as well as an improved menu.

Development

The newest development proposal involves the purchase of Immaculate Care skilled nursing facility by Telecare, Inc. The building, located at Fruitvale and Nicol Avenues, may be converted into a 24-hour psychiatric inpatient facility. More information is available in this issue of the Metro (see page ?) as well as on the message board at www.dimondnews.org.

As for the Altenheim and former Hillcrest Motel, this is the month when we expect to hear the results of applications for city housing funds. Stay tuned! In the meantime, the dynamic neighbors of Boston Avenue are still in court with the owners of the now razed motel and remain actively informed and engaged in the proposed Lincoln Court development. It continues to be a pleasure for DIA to link with such a close-knit block.

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