The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners has announced approval of a sale of a 2.09 acre parcel at Edgewater Drive and Pardee Lane in Oakland to RMT Landscape Contractors, Inc. for $1,003,365.
Published: June, 2004
“We are very pleased that we can complete this transaction,” said Board President John Protopappas. “We believe that the plans that RMT has fits with the other uses in the Park and is a win for Oakland since RMT is relocating the business here,” added Protopappas. “I believe that this sale will be beneficial for all involved, including the citizens of the Oakland area,” said Port Executive Director Tay Yoshitani.
The site posed some challenges since it is adjacent to the Elmhurst Channel and the East Bay Regional Park District trail. Any project for that site requires permits from the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) as well as a negotiation with the East Bay Regional Park District. “Rick De Herrera, owner of RMT has already met with both agencies and plans to develop a landscaped plaza on the Elmhurst Channel side of the parcel that will provide future public access and parking for park users,” he added.
RMT plans to construct a 12,000 square foot building. The two-story building will contain 6,000 square feet of office space with 6,000 square feet of warehouse space.
“RMT is a company with extensive experience in landscape construction, evidenced by their need for additional space,” said Omar Benjamin, Port of Oakland Director of Commercial Real Estate. “ We are delighted to expand our business relationship with them. They have successfully completed several of our major landscape construction projects,” Benjamin added.
An Oakland native, Rick De Herrera, owner of RMT Landscape Contractors, takes pride in being able to support the city. Of this transaction, De Herrera says, “Working with the Port of Oakland has been a positive experience. I’ve done many projects with them and this transaction is another confirmation of our quality business dealings with the Port,” he added. RMT will be relocating here with 70 employees, many of whom are Oakland residents.
