Trader Joe's Faces Demolition for Senior Towers

0:00It's April 23rd. Welcome to California News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. A beloved trader Joe's and Oakland's Rock Ridge neighborhood, open for nearly 20 years, faces demolition to make way for two high-rise towers. The plan from San Francisco-based Align Real Estate calls for 25 and 31 story buildings on land owned by Albertsons, packed with senior housing. The project outlines 415 units total, including 371 for independent living, 18 assisted living spots, and 26 for memory care. Developers promise around 150 full-time jobs in healthcare and say it's boosted by California's Senate Bill 79, which green lights dense housing near transit like the local bar station. Locals are split but vocal. Many call the store a community anchor that draws shoppers from afar, pumping foot traffic into nearby businesses. Seniors need housing sure, but residents worry about losing neighborhood vibe with no high

1:02rises currently in sight. Rock Ridge groups, like the Community Planning Council and District Association, plan meetings with the developers to push back on ripping out the grocery spot. They question if senior focus builds really fit the transit laws worker commute goal. City planners are an early review now. If it moves forward, expect more public steps, but for Rock Ridge, the fight over balancing growth and heart of the hood is just heating up.