Alameda residents concerned about proposal to eliminate only grocery store on Bay Farm Island

ALAMEDA, Calif. (KGO) -- Residents are concerned about a new proposal that could eventually lead to the elimination of a Safeway grocery store on Alameda's Bay Farm Island to make way for affordable housing.

City officials say it's just a proposal and one that would have to be changed to be approved.

The area being discussed is Harbor Bay Landing in Alameda, home to a Safeway with a pharmacy, and other businesses that provide for those nearby.

The proposed plan would involve demolishing everything on the property and building 305 housing units for sale and rent, along with 575 parking spaces. A preliminary SB 330 application, or affordable housing application, was submitted by a developer who wants to buy the shopping center.

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City officials are dealing with a slew of questions and say, first and foremost, this is a proposal. One that they say does not meet city requirements involving mixed-use development.

They say they have met with Safeway officials to show support in retaining the only grocery store on Bay Farm Island. A city representative tells ABC 7 News that they believe Safeway has a few more years left on its lease. They've also met with the developer, who expressed "openness to retaining a grocery store consistent with the City's vision for the site."

Since it is private land, no city action will happen until a formal development application is submitted by the property owners, according to a councilmember. They say zoning requirements for the site require a grocery store and other retail. There will be a public meeting held on this matter Thursday morning at the Harbor Bay Community Center at 3195 Mecartney Road, Alameda, CA.