During a review session of the City Planning Commission on January 6, 2025, members discussed community responses to the proposed mixed-use development in Oakland Gardens. The focus of the proposal is to foster resilient neighborhoods while enhancing economic activity and quality of life in the area.
The plan aims to accommodate new affordable housing while simultaneously supporting existing businesses. Officials stressed the importance of creating public spaces that encourage community engagement and improvement in street activity (Source: https://youtu.be/guf7sYbd2wM&t=1919). A range of stakeholders participated in the session, sharing their perspectives on the project and its potential impacts on the neighborhood.
Community engagement for the proposal began several years ago and has included various meetings and outreach efforts to capture local priorities. The city’s outreach involved open houses, workshops, and a steering committee designed to ensure that resident voices shape the development plan (Source: https://youtu.be/aJZfUGLYoaY&t=0). Priorities identified through this engagement included the urgent need for more housing options, particularly income-restricted units, and improvements to streets and parks (Source: https://youtu.be/aJZfUGLYoaY&t=116).
As the planning process moves forward, the city remains committed to balancing the new development with the existing character and needs of the Oakland Gardens community. Officials expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of modernizing the area while addressing housing shortages and fostering a vibrant local economy.
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