By Jason Sweeney, Oakland Tribune

November 13, 2009

SAN LEANDRO — Economic activity has slowed around the country, but that doesn't mean big things aren't in the works in San Leandro.

"We're in an interesting situation in that there is a recession, but there are still a lot of projects going on in San Leandro," said Cynthia Battenberg, city business development manager. "There's actually a lot of exciting development going on."

City officials are hoping that several projects and initiatives around town will attract thousands of jobs and generate tax revenue for the city, as well as stimulate further development of retail and dining establishments, according to a recent news release from the city.

One of the projects, the Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Medical Center, is a 264-bed hospital to be located at Marina Boulevard and Merced Street. Construction on the medical center is projected to begin in mid-2010, with an opening slated for late 2012.

"What that brings to the city is jobs," Battenberg said.

About 3,000 workers will be needed for the construction phase, along with several thousand permanent hospital jobs when the facility opens, city officials said. Kaiser Permanente also intends to sell a portion of the land to an independent developer for a future retail center.

In addition, construction is proceeding on the third and final building of the Creekside Plaza Office Complex at Davis Street and San Leandro Boulevard.

The 83,000-square-foot office building is expected to be completed early next year, with plans for a restaurant/cafe on the ground level.

The city estimates more than 600 jobs moving to San Leandro as a result of the new complex, and expects it to increase property tax revenue, as well as the amount of working professionals dining downtown.

Battenberg said a $200,000 grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission is being used to develop a BART Station-Pedestrian Interface Plan to improve pedestrian safety in and around the San Leandro BART station.

Also, in February, construction is scheduled to begin on a 100-unit affordable rental housing development next to the station. The project, called The Alameda at San Leandro Crossings, is being built by BRIDGE Housing Corp. using state and federal funds.

"In this transit-rich area, we're focusing on greater density development so that people can have access to public transit and services," Battenberg said.

She said the popularity of San Leandro's farmer's market proves that people are willing to come downtown to shop, dine and hang out.

"Even though there has been a flight from downtown, it has retained a great deal of its viability," she said.

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