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Written by Richard Lee
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Wednesday, 16 March 2005 |
Oaksterdam is the popular name of the once-blighted area of
Oakland between downtown and Lake Merritt that was revitalized by
Cannabis businesses in the late 90s. Now, with nightclubs and sidewalk
cafes opening, developers herald it as an arts and entertainment
district, and hope to profit from a swing in public opinion.
Its wide avenues lined with ornate buildings and web
of tree-lined streets ripe with small shops and intimate corners, make
it reminiscent of Amsterdam, the Dutch city given an affectionate
tribute in the neighborhood nickname. The title also refers to that
famously cannabis tolerant nature of the world-class city in Holland.
Now that Measure Z has been passed with 65% of the
vote making private adult cannabis sales, cultivation and use the
lowest police priority and mandating that Oakland tax and regulate
cannabis as soon as possible, pot prohibition’s days seem to be
numbered, and investors are seeing a different kind of green.
Long-term plans for the area are to make it more
pedestrian friendly by widening sidewalks and even closing 15th street
between Harrison and Broadway in the afternoon and evenings.
Developers who did not want to be quoted because
they receive federal subsidies on unrelated projects, privately confide
that they see a bright future for tourism.
• With Cannabis Prohibition being repealed in California before other
states, Oakland will benefit in the same way Las Vegas did by
legalizing gambling before every state had a lottery,_ a local
developer predicted.
• Dilapidated hotels that are currently being used for subsidized
housing will once again become part of a vibrant area at night and on
weekends.
• Cannabis businesses as a cottage industry could occupy some of the
vacant commercial space in Oaksterdam and other areas.
Astute politicians, recognizing the shift in voter
attitudes and facing budget shortfalls, are beginning to realize that
taxing and regulating cannabis can help revitalize blighted areas and
as a byproduct reduce street sales.
US Congresswoman Barbara Lee, CA State Senator
Pro-Tem Don Perata, Alameda County Supervisors Nate Miley and Keith
Carson, and Oakland City Council members Nancy Nadel and Desley Brooks
all endorsed the OCRRO.
Local retailers, tired of dirty sidewalks,
panhandlers and empty storefronts, have welcomed the cannabis
businesses.
Whether it’s called the A&E district or
Oaksterdam, the future looks bright for the area. We prefer to call it
Oaksterdam.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 20 September 2006 )
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