Encouraging News for Oakland A’s Howard Terminal Project

The visionary plan by the Oakland A’s to transform an underutilized cargo terminal at Howard Terminal into a gleaming waterfront development got some good news this week as staff at the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) – which regulates development on the shoreline – issued a preliminary recommendation to change the site’s port designation to allow for the development.

The Bay Area Council has been a vocal proponent of the project, and hosted a webinar hours after the report was released with Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, Oakland A’s President Dave Kaval, Port of Oakland Chief Operating Officer Kristi McKenney, and Alameda Labor Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Liz Ortega to discuss how this project will transform the Oakland waterfront. BCDC’s recommendation follows an analysis from the Port of Oakland that concluded Howard Terminal is not necessary for the port’s future growth plans.

Watch the webinar>>

In addition to the ballpark, the development includes desperately needed housing, a new public shoreline park, a hotel and office space, and environmental improvements that will be constructed with good-paying union jobs. This project also makes Oakland very competitive for new federal infrastructure funding to implement safety and equity improvements to reconnect Oakland residents with the waterfront.

BCDC will consider whether to follow the staff recommendation at a June 2 hearing and will vote on whether to allow the project to move forward on June 30. As Mayor Schaaf said Tuesday, “we need people that love the Bay Area to stand up and defend this project and ensure that it happens.” To engage in the Council’s work on this issue, please contact Policy Director Emily Loper.