Empty Lot Dispute Results in Big Win For Neighborhood

by Paul E. Garrison, President

At long last, the fate of the empty lot at 601 MacArthur Boulevard and Wesley Street has been decided to the benefit of all concerned – thanks to the capable advocacy of a few Haddon Hill Neighborhood Association members.  At its July 21 meeting, the Oakland Planning Commission decided to allow a 16-unit apartment building on the site – less than half the size of the builder's original proposal.

The parcel, which formerly contained a single family home,  was upzoned by the city to allow for a 4-unit building. Despite much neighborhood optimism that a graceful small home or building would be constructed, the lot has remained vacant, overgrown, and strewn with trash for years.

Michael Gray, executive director for a Richmond home for troubled boys, purchased the parcel. He planned to build a 37-unit apartment building. Income from the proposed apartment building  would purportedly assist the boys home.  However, these building plans would be in direct conflict with the City's four-unit restriction. 

Earlier in 1999, a hearing was held on the matter before the Planning Commission. Testimony was heard from those who favored and opposed the proposed construction.  HHNA did not oppose building on the lot, but primarily objected to the size of the project.  HHNA residents Betholyn Otte, Will Calvin, Thomas Wurst and Paul Garrison testified that the large building would diminish the character and quality of our neighborhood because of limited street parking, increased noise and other public nuisances.

A second Commission meeting was scheduled in July.  HHNA advocates again appeared to voice their concerns. The Planning Commission was advised by its legal counsel that it could override the General Plan 4-unit restriction. The Commission did so apparently because it was sympathetic to the tenaciousness of Mr. Gray.  The Commission's final decision permitting a 16-unit structure was unanimous. 

The Commission's decision marks an HHNA victory because a more modest building may finally be built on a lot that has been an eyesore in the neighborhood for a long time. Moreover, HHNA will later have an opportunity to participate in the design review process.  Although more work is needed in the future, we should congratulate ourselves for a job well done.

Oktoberfest Rocks!

The Haddon Hill Neighborhood Association cordially invites you to our third annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 24, from 2 to 5 p.m.  The event will be held at Kenwyn Circle (at the intersection of Kenwyn and McKinley Streets).  Highlights of the event will be a potluck meal, musical entertainment, a visit from a fire engine,  a Halloween costume contest, face painting, and apple bobbing for the kids. Children and the young at heart should come in costume!

 Please bring food and drink to share according to first letter of your last name.

• A – G   main dish;
• H – L    salad or bread
• M – S   drinks or bread;
• T – Z – dessert

Neighborhood Notes… …

HHNA Activist Karen Van Zandt and Rick Goodwin are the proud parents of their second child, Emily Goodwin, born September 19 and weighing in at 8 lbs. 4 oz….Congratulations to HHNA Secretary Kathleen Kirkish, who has purchased a home in the Oakmore district.  Kathleen's departure leaves a vacancy on the HHNA officer list…Have you walked down Radnor Rd. lately? Check out the beautiful new paint jobs and upgrades on 563 and 558.  Good work Max, Lauren, Doug and Deanna.

1998-99 HHNA Officers

Check out the Contacts page for a list of the Officers of the Haddon Hill Neighborhood Association

Assemblymember Audie Bock Visits with HHNA Neighbors

Newly-elected Green Party California Assemblymember Audie Bock spoke to an intimate gathering of Haddon Hill neighbors at the home of Ira and Leslie Jacobowitz on July 18.  Bock, accompanied by her Field Representative Gene Hazzard, covered a wide range of topics and showed that she is quickly learning the issues before the legislature.

 She spoke about her first legislative victory – the inclusion of $500,000 in the State Budget for a study of needed Lake Merritt improvements.

HHNA President Paul Garrison asked for assistance from Ms. Bock in requesting help from CalTrans on I-580 sound walls that would protect our neighborhood.

You can reach Audie Bock's District office at (510) 286-1670, or by email at assemblymember.Bock@assembly.ca.gov.