At November’s meeting, information was presented about the tenuous structural condition of the building and its general state of disrepair, and plans were set in motion to temporarily protect the structure from further damage with perimeter fencing and roof repairs.

Since November, RAILS has been focused on conducting a feasibility study with the assistance of their partner in this process, California Commercial Group (CCG).  The completed study has been released to the Oakland City Council and should soon be available for review.  The process and findings were presented to those in attendance for their input and guidance.

Alan Dones, Vice President of RAILS, opened the meeting followed by Lydia Tan, a RAILS board member who presented the guiding principles and goals that were developed to keep the redevelopment process on track including: 

• Honor West Oakland’s culture and history
• Strengthen and serve the community
• Provide economic development opportunities
• Be financially sustainable

Next, Adhi Nagraj, another RAILS board member, presented information about the suggested use scenarios, costs and revenue sources.  Various combinations of uses are being considered for their programmatic and financial feasibility, but they fall into 5 general categories: event, food-related, office, educational and cultural.  And there are 4 main areas of the train station: main hall, baggage wing, existing tracks structure and the plaza.  So as you can imagine, the options being considered are like a Rubik’s cube of combinations.  The estimated cost projection is $36M.  Revenue source possibilities include tax incremental funds, redevelopment funds, historic mitigation dollars and stimulus funding.

While all of this information was valuable and interesting, most exciting of all was the creative energy and thoughtful input provided by the community members.  There were innovative thoughts about what components to include in the design, creative ideas about where to secure funding, and insightful comments on how to generate enthusiasm beyond West Oakland.  Sure, they didn’t always agree on the specifics, but there was no question that everyone believed in the overall goal of preserving this stately and culturally significant building (or as one community member called it, a magnificent cathedral).  As the meeting came to a close, one community member said what we were all thinking, “Let’s get the train station shored up and saved!”

Next steps? RAILS plan to define usage and develop a plan to bring to City Council for approval by this summer.

If you are interested in learning more about this project and want to participate in the next Community Meeting, visit Central Station or contact Surlene Grant at sggrant@envirocommunications.com.

About Patti White

Patti can be found most mornings sipping tea and reading the Huffington Post at her kitchen counter made from reclaimed bowling alley floor. She is enjoying nesting with her partner in their new West Oakland home, but looks forward to getting back to more regular hiking, kayaking and general nature-loving. A curious adventurer, Patti never grows tired of uncovering Oakland's lesser-known treasures.