Matt Beinke and Ohara Properties besiege the City of Oakley with another cantankerous demand. Again, he indicates he demands sovereignty over the intersection of Laurel Rd and Ohara Ave. This time, it is on the Southwest corner. Beinke awakes his minions on the City Council dais and within City Hall to change the zoning of the intersection from commercial to residential high density so he and Ron Nunn can build at least forty-eight units on the property (actually, I think he envisions ninety-five units).
Again, he angered the people who coalesced to express their anger with his intentions. Again, Beinke could give a damn about their concerns. He does not need to listen to their problems with the voting bloc that delivered McDonalds and Quick Quack Car Wash still on the dais. There is little doubt that Meadows, Shaw, and Henderson will eventually squish to Beinke’s demands. (We have heard so many times Meadows proclaim, “My family has lived here six generations, and I know what is best for the City (Oakley).”
Two solid remedies I will suggest. First, attend the council meeting at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at City Hall to express your outrage over the proposal. I encourage all to come. The issue is a community-wide issue. Developers are rushing fast to bring zoning changes to enhance high-density housing in Oakley on land they own. All residents will feel their calls for a building frenzy in our town. Let the council hear what you think about the situation.
Additionally, come together as a community to file referendums blocking the zone changes Beinke proposes. The voting bloc has and will continue to approve developers’ requests and acquiesce to their demands. A referendum requires much hard work and team effort, but it is highly effective in stopping outlandish development in our beloved town.
A person is coordinating a referendum effort for the city residents is Nadine Obeid. She can be contacted at oakleycommunityaction@gmail. Reach out to her. Our community is strong, and residents need to be heard and acknowledged. Ms. Obeid’s efforts are a giant step forward in that endeavor.
George Fuller, Ed.D., City Councilmember, District 5, City of Oakley