3. Alternatives
ROOTED Provide protections against gentrification, improve access to high-quality affordable housing, and expand on existing programs/resources to better serve current residents The first alternative proposes the creation of a community land trust opportunity areas and sale incentives for landowners across areas affected by displacement. Opportunity areas were selected based on availability of land that could be transferred to the Oakland Community Land Trust (CLT). The partnership would help Oakland CLT double their original goal and accelerate their progress by transferring previously vacant land with support from the city. The support for families transitioning out of homelessness is also sought, coupled with prevention programs to help residents remain in place. The aim is to transfer CLT properties to management by The Oakland Community Project which already manages major facilities in the district providing beds for unhoused individuals facing emergencies or in transition. Lastly, this alternative seeks to create a cooperative economic ecology by incubating local and community owned businesses and providing professional development programs out of the Eastmont commercial center.
Figure 3.1 Rooted District 6
CONNECTED Reanimating open commercial streets as socio-economic connectors and gathering spots for the community to share, play, and consume local goods
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District 6 is both a bedroom community and a food desert where residents have little engagement with commercial zones. This alternative focuses on 3 strategies to address these concerns. The first is to turn vacant lots into open spaces for local residents to shop for goods and enjoy arts and cultural events. These sites would include mixed commercial amenities and consider more diverse and affordable businesses. The second strategy focuses on building connector roads through streetscape improvements and complete streets adaptations expanding the Slow Streets program. The third strategy centers on building capacity for equitable and inclusive economic development through neighborhood driven programs and coalitions. This alternative could build upon existing efforts from organizations like the Black Cultural Zone, a community economic development corporation that joins together neighboring organizations in East Oakland.
46 Oakland District 6
Figure 3.2 Connected District 6
