Councilmember Thao At Montclair’s Village Plaza Campaign Event, Sunday April 7th

Oakland, California – On Sunday April 7, from 4:30-7:30 p.m., the Montclair Village Association will host a public open air dinner along Antioch Court in support of Montclair’s Streetscape Beautification and Village Plaza Campaign.

The dinner will feature Oakland City Council District 4 Representative Sheng Thao. Attendees will also enjoy live music from the Beat Seekers and the Skyline Jazz Band. There will be kids’ activities, an al fresco, open-air dinner catered by Kouzina, and the event will feature a generous selection of local wine, beer spirits.

Dinner event tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth and students.

To purchase tickets please visit the Montclair Village Antioch Court Improvement Plan page at:

http://montclairvillage.com/antioch-court-improvement-plan .

About the Streetscape Beautification Campaign:

In 2011 the Montclair Village Association (MVA) launched a campaign to rebuild Montclair’s beloved Antioch Court to address pedestrian and transportation safety concerns. Currently, the Antioch Court streetscape is dilapidated and structurally-challenged.

In 2017, the campaign secured $28,000 from sidewalk brick sales and $90,000 from the City of Oakland’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission.

With a construction budget of $700,000, the MVA, local Montclair merchants, concerned citizens of Oakland and area representatives are seeking support from the City of Oakland to improve the infrastructure along Antioch Court. The construction project is designed to:

● Ameliorate a dangerously sharp blind turn from Mountain Blvd. onto Antioch Court and calm traffic

● Beautify and repair Antioch Court’s crumbling walkways rife with tripping hazards

● Repair deep gauging pothole trenches and unlevel roads for pedestrian and cyclist safety

● Increase bike safety on the city bike route with improved access to bike racks

● Improve street crossing for seniors, youth and all mobilities

● Create a pedestrian plaza to serve as a dynamic community and cultural junction benefiting all of Oakland and drawing patrons from across the East Bay.

The MVA is currently seeking individual contributions to support the capital improvement campaign. To become a sponsor, buy a personalized Donor Brick, or sign a petition of support please visit:

http://montclairvillage.com/antioch-court-improvement-plan.

“Funds from April’s event will go directly to ensuring the successful build of the new streetscape and a lively community event showcase that will feature programming for all ages, art and cultural activities, culinary expos and safety fairs,” said Daniel Swafford, executive director of the Montclair Village Association. “This funding goal will be achieved via local business sponsorships, individual contributions and sponsored brick donations. This project is really an excellent opportunity to further engage local Montclair residents and area merchants.”

Councilmember Sheng Thao’s statement:

“Revitalizing Antioch Court will create accessibility for all Oaklanders, creating a space where we can build community and celebrate culture and art. The space will also be an asset for our young people throughout the City of Oakland.”