A Message from Upper Broadway Advocates How tall is too tall? What’s right for Rockridge?Context is critical in planning density. For example tall buildings around Hwy 24 and College might not seem out of place, but would 20-story buildings there be acceptable? Likewise, would a 5-7 story building on a single residential lot be okay among a block of 2-story homes?
What about all the cars high-density housing will add to the area’s already difficult parking issues? New zoning laws require far fewer spaces than in the past, sometimes none at all.What about true affordability—housing that’s actually affordable, not just slightly below “market rate”?And what about open space?New laws concerning these issues are currently being finalized, so it’s important to voice your opinion now.Here are three opportunities for you to be part of the conversation: Opportunity #1: Thursday, April 9 — 6:30 – 8PM Community Town Hall with District 1 Councilmember Unger Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland“Join Councilmember Unger and City staff for an interactive workshop exploring the General Plan Update’s Draft Land Use Framework. The Framework shows how we can achieve community priorities, like housing and services near transit, improving maintenance of parks and open spaces, and enhancing street safety. There will be light refreshments and interactive activities.“
Please come and bring your questions for Councilmember Unger. We’re very curious to hear what Councilmember Unger has in mind for SB79, the amendment he proposed, and density near BART. We are eager to know what other Rockridge residents think, and we would love to see you there!
RSVP via Eventbrite:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/zac-ungers-april-town-hall-tick..UBA Wants You to Know:On February 24th Councilmeber Unger proposed an amendment to exclude Rockridge from a City Planning initiative to study how to best implement Senate Bill 79’s (SB79) new density zoning. SB79 increases the height limit, permitting 6-9 story buildings along College Ave within 1/2 mile of BART. Unger’s amendment passed March 3rd.For more on SB79 read Tom Lollini’s cover story in April’s Rockridge News. Tom’s overview alerts us to the potential impact of this new law, particularly on the residential areas where developers may be able to build 6-7 story apartments “by right” (i.e. without community input), with minimal parking on formerly single family lots. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/692c67f5c509b901cee30842/t/69d263976bb1496ff2bdbdf8/1775395735927/2026_04.pdfOpportunity #2: Oakland Draft Land Use Framework–> Submit Your Comments Online Before April 23rdPlease weigh in on the City’s Draft Land Use Framework! Access to submit comments is open until April 23rd, so time is running out. https://www.oaklandca.gov/Planning-Building/General-Plan-Nei…Councilmember Unger suggested this method as the way to reshape the “alternative plan” for Rockridge, MacArthur and Ashby BART station transit oriented development areas established via SB79. Opportunity #3: Thursday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m. 2026 RCPC Annual Meeting on Community Vision Plan Rockridge Library, 5366 College Avenue, OaklandPresenting the Rockridge Community Vision Plan (CVP) and Action Groups Agenda: To review the Community Vision Plan and form Action Groups to implement the Vision Plan initiatives. 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. — Mixer to meet your neighbors with light refreshments. 7:30 p.m. — Presentation begins
Because the public RCPC subcommittees (such as the Land Use Committee) were quietly “paused” over the past year, the Community Vision Plan and presumably new Action Groups set up that night may be your best chance to learn what RCPC has been up to, its new priorities, and how and whether the public can participate in RCPC going forward.
Please come and bring your questions about RCPC’s new priorities, the new direction for the Rockridge News, and the Community Vision Plan.
Here is a statement from the outgoing RCPC Chair, Casey Farmer, regarding the changes in RCPC’s new land use priorities: “As I reflect on my service, I’d like to highlight ways we have made meaningful impact and how RCPC has evolved as a neighborhood organization. RCPC continues to focus on transportation and quality of life issues, but has refined its land use advocacy to also include supporting new housing (in addition to our focus on promoting ground floor retail along College Avenue). Advocating for housing is a change from RCPC’s founding which occurred soon after the construction of Highway 24 and BART. RCPC originally focused on retaining the “character” of Rockridge, including craftsman homes, small businesses and a pedestrian-friendly character. Forty years later, with a vast housing crisis now confronting us, RCPC’s advocacy efforts today must reflect new and modified priorities. (Per recent community feedback through the Community Vision Plan, Rockridge residents largely support the creation of new housing.)” Community works best when all our many voices are included. We all want to have some say in how our neighborhood evolves, and to be notified before the bulldozers show up.
We are looking forward to hearing our neighbors’ feedback, and we hope to see you at these events!
Rockridge Manor Neighborhood 