Oakland's Jack London Square hopes to get business boost with new CA law

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- More than half a decade since the start of the pandemic, Oakland's Jack London Square has still yet to recover.

Currently, more than 50% of all the ground floor space in the square is sitting empty.

But a new law taking effect next year may change that by relaxing restrictions on the types of businesses the Port of Oakland can lease to.

"Current restrictions limit the leasing of property at Jack London Square, and so we can't have things like a grocery store, or a cafe," said the law's author, State Sen. Jesse Arreguin.

On Tuesday night, only a few people were out in the area.

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Besides the new law, local businesses hope the addition of a Dave and Buster's expected to open in February will increase foot traffic.

"I think that'll attract younger students, families, teenagers, and help spread the word about Jack London," said restaurant employee Vivien Ly.

It's not just businesses who want to see Jack London Square revitalized, people who live around the area also feel similarly.

"More jobs, more entertainment. People know of it everywhere and then people will come!" said LaVerne Williams.

While out on the waterfront, we met LaVerne Williams and her sister Natalie.

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The pair were born and raised in Oakland and say the neighborhood's vibe is not the same as it was even a few years ago.

"A lot of businesses have folded up and left. It's still so pretty. It's on the water. And I feel like the businesses here will expand if rezoned," said Natalie Williams.

The relaxation of the zoning rules is scheduled to last for 40 years.

And Arreguin, says he's hopeful it'll help revitalize not just Jack London Square but also the city as a whole.

"The status quo is not working, and we need to remove obstacles to opening businesses, to building housing to getting things done that are so important for our state," said Arreguin.