Why Oakland residents are pushing back against street upgrades in Chinatown

The Oakland Department of Transportation is set to implement upgrades in Chinatown aimed at improving pedestrian safety through its "complete streets" plan. This includes widening sidewalks and introducing pedestrian scrambles, as noted by Stephanie Tran, the Chamber of Commerce president. Despite support for these enhancements, community members are apprehensive about lane reductions on streets like 9th, Harrison, and Webster. Local leader Jones Wu has expressed concerns that reduced vehicle lanes may impede access for parents picking up children and deter customers from local businesses. Wu has reached out to city officials, including director Josh Rowan, but has not received a follow-up.

Tran emphasizes the importance of a community-driven approach that addresses the needs of all stakeholders. The city’s efforts aim to balance safety with accessibility to maintain the vibrancy of Chinatown. The Oakland Department of Transportation has not provided comment for this report.