The Oakland City Council recently approved several critical pieces of legislation that will help propel the Oakland Army Base development forward as the project’s September 2013 construction start date draws near.
On July 16, the council voted 7-0 to approve a new zoning district, building design guidelines and a supplemental development agreement, which provides clarity on development fees. Councilmember Desley Brooks was the lone abstention.
The new zoning area – the Gateway Industrial District — allows for the seaport, rail and logistics operations that are central to the Army Base development. The project’s first phase will convert 160 acres of functionally obsolete land that the U.S. Military deeded to the city in 2003. The property will be transformed into a modern trade, cargo and bulk goods center with news warehousing facilities, expanded rail access and a marine bulk terminal.