A New Store in the Dimond 

at 2207 MacArthur

If you've driven past the intersection of MacArthur and Fruitvale, or been keeping up to date on the emerging online discussion on the Dimond Online Group, you've either seen and/or heard of the permit for a new business to go in at 2207 MacArthur Blvd.

The proposed business is a Middle Eastern Market.  While many are the accolades and cheers of "hurray!" for such a unique store in the Dimond Business District, there are also significant questions about what exactly the store is aiming for in terms of being a convenience store.  Will they primarily sell food, including prepared Middle Eastern Foods and a few convenience items on the side (such as packaged foodstuffs, soft-drinks, tobacco and potentially alcohol that you'd find in your average 7-11)?  Or will the store be primarily selling those convenience items (that you can find in several stores already existing within a 2 block radius of the proposed business site) and sell a few speciality items on the side?

This is an ongoing discussion in the Dimond Community.  Some say it's a negative symptom of gentrification.  Others say that the only way to direct and encourage both current and future growth is to encourage and demand business diversity.  Some say it's meeting the purchasing desires of the existing community.  Others say that we don't need more of the same businesses that fail to cater to the overall needs and desires of the entire East Oakland community.

If you're interested in learning more about the proposed business at this site you can check out the dialogue over at Dimondnews.org.  If you're interested in acting politically to demand that the new business be more than a glorified convenience store you can send an email/letter (but act fast - as in this week) to 

Aubrey Rose [arose@oaklandnet.com]
Planner II, Oakland Community and Economic Development Agency
250 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Suite 2114

What do you think about growth in the Dimond?  

What kind of businesses do you want to see and patronize?

Thanks to Owen for the details and contact information.