AOL’s new hyper-local news website, patch.com, has an Albany version and with it an article on the proposed Safeway expansion.  Overall I think the article does a good job of painting the various issues surrounding this project.  It’s worth noting, however, that Allen Cain of the Solano Avenue Assocation continues to make misleading statements regarding support for this project from Solano Avenue businesses:

He also said 250 of the entire association’s members have not expressed any opposition to the plan, although some have shared concerns over Safeway’s “mega store.”

This comes at the end of an article that quotes several Solano Avenue business owners as being strongly opposed to the plan, which  makes you wonder what’s going on.  However, as we discussed below Mr. Cain’s statement is made based on a postcard mailing the avenue association sent out, to which they received only four replies.

For those looking for a summary of the project, Albany Today has a nice piece that provides a good overview.  Here’s the lede:

Safeway Inc. has tentative plans to tear down its Albany store and reconstruct one twice the size with a parking lot underneath the building, according to an application to the Albany Planning and Zoning Commission.

The answer is an unequivocal yes.  The issue of whether Solano Businesses support Safeway’s expansion, however, is less clear.  Allen Cain, executive director of the Solano Avenue Association, wrote a May 26 letter to the Planning Commission stating:

We acknowledge the fact that there are neighbors in the immediate vicinity that have concerns; we have polled the Solano Avenue Association membership (now at almost 250) and as of this writing we are not aware of any opposition [from anyone] to the proposed expansion.

This deliberately misleading statement was designed to give the impression of broad support for the Safeway expansion.  Fortunately  during the June 3 study session it was revealed that only four members responded to the poll.  In fact, the following businesses have written letters to the planning commission opposing the new development in its current form:

• Matsu, 1519 Solano (Betty Yu)
• William Moore DDS, 1396 Solano
• Gathering Tribes, 1412 Solano (Pennie Opal Plant)

The bottom line is that many local businesses understand a design that incorporating inadequate parking, that includes specialty stores designed to cannibalize neighborhood businesses, and that is of a size unfit for a low density neighborhood is not a design that is good for the Cities of Albany or Berkeley.

At the June 3 meeting several neighbors brought up the point that Safeway has been a poor steward of its existing property, frequently allowing trash and other eyesores to accumulate.  If you thought that such a high profile airing of its dirty laundry would encourage the store to clean up its property, you would have thought wrong.  The picture below was just taken today:

Trash accumulation on Safeway property

This trash heap was present for several weeks prior to the June 3 meeting, and almost a week later continues to be an urban eyesore.  The point here is that even under the spotlight Safeway has remained steadfast in its refusal to adequately maintain its property.  A larger footprint, with underground parking no less, means more opportunities for the property to fall into disrepair.

Thanks to all who came out on June 3 to voice their concerns on this project.  A link to the video stream from the meeting can be found here.  I hope to have commentary on the meeting up in the next couple days.

Yesterday, my neighbor and I visited the Montclair (Oakland) Safeway on Mountain Blvd. at the intersection with Moraga Blvd.  This Safeway store was remodeled about a year ago.  It is modest in size, well stocked and clean. The outside of the store was refurbished, and the loading dock is at the front of the store.  Inside, it is clear that the store is not brand new, but it was upgraded and is so well maintained, that it doesn’t matter.  According to one person we spoke to, the upper parking lot requires constant monitoring to prevent shoppers from using that lot as free parking when they patronize the local stores in Montclair Village.

If you have the opportunity, visit this Safeway and see what a simple remodeling (and good store management!) can accomplish.

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