Laurel District Association News

by Helen Wyman

LDA Annual Egg Hunt All children ages four to 11 are invited to search for eggs stuffed with candy and coupons from local Laurel businesses. The hunt will start at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, at Allendale Elementary School. Sponsored by LDA, Albertsons, Komodo Toys, and Oakland Veterinary Hospital. Senior Housing Development at High and MacArthur On February 28 the Planning Commission listened to over 30 community speakers give their opinions about the AMG & Associates senior-housing development proposed for the corner of High St. and MacArthur Blvd. The LDA Board unanimously voted to support the C-31 zoning and released the following statement: The Laurel District Association, a property-based business improvement district located on MacArthur Blvd. from 35th to High Street, is committed to improving and enhancing the business district. We have concerns regarding projects that are not in conformance with the retail zoning receiving special privilege which will set a precedent for future developments in the Laurel. We urge the Planning Commission to preserve the retail use of our commercial properties and support the C31 zoning regarding ground-floor retail use. C31 is compatible with the General Plan designation of Neighborhood Mixed Use, and if developers, property owners, or the planning department disagree, it is the onus of the city to do the proper public notification and process of rezoning the commercial districts in Oakland. Until that process is done, it is the city's responsibility and the Commission's as well to honor and uphold the zoning that was collaboratively sought for the Laurel District by the business property owners, business owners, and residents in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The attorney hired by the Citizen's For Oakland Coalition (www.citizens4oakland.com) brought up some legal issues that needed to be further researched by the City Planner and the City Attorney. Robert Mekamp, the planner, said the project will go back to the Planning Commission in late April or early May. Laurel Walking Officer and Community Safety Patrol Officer Gilbert is once again working in the Laurel district full-time as a walking officer. The merchants can call his cell phone when he is on duty, at 773-1821. His hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For emergencies, please call 911. The LDA Board of Directors made security a top priority for 2007. The LDA Security Task Force, headed up by Gregg McGlinn, the owner of Laurel Lounge, designed a Security Program to maximize security coverage in the evenings along MacArthur Blvd. between 35th Ave. and High St. All About Security Agency was selected to be the LDA security company. The LDA will use BID funds to pay for a basic patrol service, and the merchants are offered additional services for only $25 per month. The number of hours spent each day will be determined by the number of merchants that sign up for the program. In addition to getting more coverage for the district, participating merchants will be able to call AASA for escorts during evening shifts, and AASA will respond to emergency calls. We are encouraging every merchant to take advantage of this great opportunity to increase security for a fraction of what it would cost as an individual business.