There’s long been a rule that businesses at Jack London Square can only be those for tourists or maritime pursuits. The zoning is now changed for businesses that appeal to locals, in hopes of reviving the plaza.
The momentum has not been strong lately at Okland’s waterfront destination Jack London Square. At the beginning of this year, the Square’s 35-year-old Waterfront Hotel abruptly shut down, and that was quickly followed by the closures of Forge Pizza, the sushi restaurant Ginza, and the wine shop minimo.
The area’s new state Senator did something about the retail exodus, or at least, he’s trying to. KTVU reports on a new state law loosening zoning restrictions in Jack London Square, a law that will take effect on January 1. Jack London Square is under the jurisdiction of the Port of Oakland, and the previous zoning only allowed maritime businesses, or those like bars and restaurants that were meant to appeal to tourists. The new zoning would allow a broader range of businesses that might cater more to locals…