the peculiar thing he’s observed, is that retail has actually declined along Shattuck. He pointed to the closing of Barnes and Noble, and Ross as examples. Says most restaurants along Shattuck only do so so. His theory, completely unsubstantiated, is that many of the new residents are using public transit to shop and dine in SF, WC, and even Rockridge Bart. His theory is that the stores in SF and WC are much bigger, have huge selection compared to Berkeley ground floor mixed use retail; and are not as charming and boutiquey as Rockridge. These new residents don’t bother with limited inventory, more expensive local retailers if they can buy online or those retailers in SF, WC, Rockridge that provide those other shopping experiences/benefits.

It’s fine by him because he can make good money from residential rentals.

if he’s correct and the same thing occurs in Oakland the general planners and smart growthers will succeed in creating a more efficient bedroom community for SF and WC, for both the middle level and below middle workers, but not make Oakland either vibrant or financially viable.

if there were a place to get sales tax receipts by zip code, plus changes in population density, it should be possible to verify his observations.

The city’s insistence on boutique sized retail space pushes the buildings higher and stresses the overwhelmed infrastructure.