In April 2023—following undivided support by the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board in March—the City of Oakland Planning Commission unanimously approved the Head-Royce South Campus Plan, paving the way for the school to break ground on the project. Unfortunately the project was appealed, requiring the school to go before the Oakland City Council for a final decision. While it is not uncommon for real estate projects to be appealed, it does mean that community support is more important than ever.
Head-Royce received an outpouring of support from the community as well as significant positive feedback from Commissioners, who commended the school for a thorough review and thoughtful approach to proactively finding solutions to ensure the project is a win-win for the school and neighborhood.
Opponents of the Plan claim to be primarily concerned with traffic congestion on Lincoln Avenue and wildfire mitigation. In fact, the City’s Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) found that with the addition of an internal loop driveway, traffic congestion would be significantly reduced as car drop-offs and pick-ups would no longer take place on Lincoln Avenue. Additionally, the Plan incorporates wildfire mitigation measures and evacuation protocols that far surpass the City’s requirements.
The South Campus Plan represents a transformative opportunity to create a cutting-edge instructional environment on a parcel of land that has been used in service of children for over 100 years, eases traffic congestion, beautifies existing buildings, and offers 125 jobs to local construction workers.
Please join us on September 19 and voice your support for the Head-Royce South Campus Plan at the City Council hearing! Send a letter of support by clicking here or learn more about other ways to get involved.
