Oakland: City Council Approves Plan to Convert Abandoned Warehouse into Community Hub

Oakland City Council Approves Plan to Revitalize Abandoned Warehouse into Vibrant Community HubOakland City Council Approves Plan to Revitalize Abandoned Warehouse into Vibrant Community Hub In a significant development for Oakland, the City Council has unanimously approved a plan to transform an abandoned warehouse into a thriving community center. The project, known as the “Harbor Square Community Hub,” aims to revitalize the city’s waterfront and provide essential services and resources to residents. The abandoned warehouse, located in the Brooklyn Basin neighborhood, has been vacant for over a decade. The city acquired the property in 2019 and has been working with community partners to develop a plan for its reuse. Under the approved plan, the warehouse will be converted into a multi-faceted facility that includes: * A community center with meeting rooms, classrooms, and a kitchen * A health clinic offering primary and preventative care services * A food pantry and distribution center * Affordable housing units for low-income residents * A rooftop garden and outdoor recreation space The Harbor Square Community Hub is expected to have a transformative impact on the surrounding neighborhood. By providing essential services and creating a welcoming gathering space, the hub will foster community engagement, improve health outcomes, and increase affordable housing options. “This project is a testament to the power of collaboration between the city, community partners, and residents,” said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. “The Harbor Square Community Hub will be a catalyst for revitalization in Brooklyn Basin and will provide vital resources that our community needs and deserves.” The project has received widespread support from community organizations, including the East Oakland Community Services Center, the Alameda County Community Food Bank, and the Oakland Housing Authority. “The Harbor Square Community Hub will be a game-changer for Brooklyn Basin,” said Reverend William Kirkpatrick, Executive Director of the East Oakland Community Services Center. “It will provide essential services, create jobs, and bring our community together.” Construction on the Harbor Square Community Hub is expected to begin in early 2024 and is scheduled to be completed by 2026. The project is funded through a combination of city funds, state grants, and private donations.