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Oaksterdam News
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| Oaksterdam looks ahead |
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| Written by Richard Lee | |
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Oaksterdam is the popular name of the once-blighted area of
Oakland between downtown and Lake Merritt that was revitalized by
Cannabis businesses in the late 90s. Now, with nightclubs and sidewalk
cafes opening, developers herald it as an arts and entertainment
district, and hope to profit from a swing in public opinion. Its wide avenues lined with ornate buildings and web of tree-lined streets ripe with small shops and intimate corners, make it reminiscent of Amsterdam, the Dutch city given an affectionate tribute in the neighborhood nickname. The title also refers to that famously cannabis tolerant nature of the world-class city in Holland. Now that Measure Z has been passed with 65% of the vote making private adult cannabis sales, cultivation and use the lowest police priority and mandating that Oakland tax and regulate cannabis as soon as possible, pot prohibition’s days seem to be numbered, and investors are seeing a different kind of green. Long-term plans for the area are to make it more pedestrian friendly by widening sidewalks and even closing 15th street between Harrison and Broadway in the afternoon and evenings. Developers who did not want to be quoted because they receive federal subsidies on unrelated projects, privately confide that they see a bright future for tourism. • With Cannabis Prohibition being repealed in California before other states, Oakland will benefit in the same way Las Vegas did by legalizing gambling before every state had a lottery,_ a local developer predicted. • Dilapidated hotels that are currently being used for subsidized housing will once again become part of a vibrant area at night and on weekends. • Cannabis businesses as a cottage industry could occupy some of the vacant commercial space in Oaksterdam and other areas. Astute politicians, recognizing the shift in voter attitudes and facing budget shortfalls, are beginning to realize that taxing and regulating cannabis can help revitalize blighted areas and as a byproduct reduce street sales. US Congresswoman Barbara Lee, CA State Senator Pro-Tem Don Perata, Alameda County Supervisors Nate Miley and Keith Carson, and Oakland City Council members Nancy Nadel and Desley Brooks all endorsed the OCRRO. Local retailers, tired of dirty sidewalks, panhandlers and empty storefronts, have welcomed the cannabis businesses. Whether it’s called the A&E district or Oaksterdam, the future looks bright for the area. We prefer to call it Oaksterdam. |
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