Stop the three-fold expansion of the Safeway store on College. Enforce the zoning laws that protect communities against Safeway's demand for unlimited profits and promote smart, long term growth in the era of global warming.
Why is this important?
My family and I live in Rockridge. We and others have systematically surveyed members of the community, and the members of other communities, who hang out with friends, walk and shop along College Avenue. 92% have answered that they oppose Safeway's plan for a three-fold expansion of its store. After hearing of our opposition at five community meetings, Safeway stopped meeting with us and set about imposing their idea about what is best for us. The Berkeley City Council opposes the expansion for the same reason we do: the threatened expansion (1) overrides zoning restriction that limit store size, vehicular congestion and pollution; (2) endangers foot and bicycle traffic on the already heavily-traveled, two lane College Avenue; (3) sabotages twenty five years of neighborhood self-determination; and (4) imperils the small independent businesses that spend their profits in the community. Safeway’s quest for unlimited profits by attracting more vehicular traffic from greater distances, and its refusal to locate in West and East Oakland to serve the needs of residents living in “food deserts,” does not equal the public good. The issue is currently before the Oakland City Council and we need your help.
