The development of a desperately needed grocery store in West Oakland is underway! G&L’s Luis Rodriguez and Erica Orcharton assisted in the acquisition of the property for the “People’s Community Market,” which will be located near 31st Street and San Pablo in West Oakland. The market is a partnership between the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation and People’s Community Market, Inc., founded by Brahm Ahmadi. Ahmadi has been trying to get the project off the ground for over a decade and has been trying to acquire property for the store for several years.
In addition to becoming the first full-service grocery store in West Oakland, People’s Community Market will have a social service component to promote healthy eating and living habits. Later this year, G&L will also be assisting with New Markets Tax Credit financing and the formation of a new nonprofit entity to undertake the social services component. Luis Rodriguez says “There is a lot more work left to do, but we’re very glad that we hit this initial milestone.”
To see the recent coverage of the project, visit East Bay Express, SF Gate, Forbes and KQED.