We live in West Oakland very close to the West Oakland Bart Station, in the heart of a Historic Black community. For decades, our neighborhood has suffered from the destructive  impacts of eminent domain  
and alarmingly high pollution rates, which have severely affected the environmental health and quality of life for many residents.

Now, we are facing a new threat that has left our community shocked, blindsided, and outraged. The city of Oakland is threatening  to green light the clear-cuttting of  72 healthy, full-grown trees surrounding the Bart Station to accommodate a Developer and the new project Mandela Station. 

Affordable House is GREAT! Killing trees and wildlife is NOT!  One does not necessitate the other. 

*See viral video here
*and here. 

THE NEGATIVE IMPACT:
These trees are not just a part of our landscape; they provide vital environmental benefits including air purification and temperature regulation as well as natural habitats for local birds, squirrels, insects, butterflies. Especially at this time of the year, the Spring, the trees are filled with bird nests, eggs and baby birds. The City of Oakland has admitted to having no arborist and no ornithologist expert (birder) on staff.  Their removal would exacerbate the pollution issues we are already battling and destroy an establised and thriving eco system. 

This threat means more than the loss of green space. It represents the ongoing disregard for our community’s health, history, and heritage.

Research has shown that urban trees are crucial for reducing pollution, sequestering carbon dioxide, and contributing to overall urban health. According to the U.S. Forest Service, urban trees save cities billions of dollars each year by reducing air pollution, conserving energy, and managing stormwater.

We urge the city to acknowledge the significant detrimental impacts of their decision and halt the planned clear-cutting.  We urge that city leaders and representatives of Mandela Station Development Leadership speak to the community, hold additional town halls and come up with an alternative plan that does not involve the unnecessary killing of trees on the historic 7th street corridor. 

Developer and City held "community meetings"  but is important to note that those who attended these meetings have stated that the removal of 72 trees was never disclosed or discussed. This lack of transparency is troubling given the impact on our community. And yes, they claim to be "replacing the trees" at some point.  What they aren't saying is why they have decided to clear cut them before they even break ground on construction?  And why would you be cutting them right before the hottest months of the year?  That, plus the fact that landscaping is always THE LAST element of any construction project, meaning, we would/could be without trees for years. Add to that, the new trees would be babies, meaning we will be without shade for likely a decade or more. 

THE ASK:
Instead, we call for a sustainable approach that values both the historic significance of our community and its environmental health. This is a call for Environmental Justice, Racial Justice, and Economic Justice from the City.  Implementing alternative solutions, like creating green buffer zones and maintaining these natural resources, will benefit the city of Oakland in the long run. Design a plan that builds new sidewalks AROUND the trees. 

Please support us in preserving these vital trees and protecting our community from further environmental degradation. Your signature can make a difference. Help us demand an injunction to stop this devastating act. Just because the developer said this is what they wanted to do, elected officials are bound to the constituents and this design is damaging to the citizens of Oakland. They should have said “No. Come up with a green design.” Sign our petition today and make your voice heard in saving the very heart of our historic neighborhood. Share with everyone! You don't need to live in West Oakland to care about the humans, animals and trees that live here. Thank you!!! (We will be printing to flyer at Bart and All over Oakland)

Want to do more to help? Email and tell them to:
STOP! DISCUSS! REDESIGN TO INCLUDE EXISTING TREES!  RESUME!
rtdevelops@comcast.ne
jenaya@sudallc.com
cfife@oaklandca.gov
pvollmann@oaklandca.gov
cgarcia@oaklandca.gov
mpd@oaklandca.gov

 

EVERY TREE YOU SEE IN THE FOLLOWING PICTURES (AND MORE) HAS TAGGED TO BE CHOPPED DOWN AND RIPPED OUT.