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Planning Commission continues appeal on 3320 Grand Avenue to March 4
Summary
After hearing from the applicant and staff about an absent appellant's family emergency, the Oakland Planning Commission voted unanimously to continue the appeal for 3320 Grand Avenue to the March 4 meeting, setting a date certain to ensure a final decision.
The Oakland Planning Commission on Feb. 4 voted unanimously to continue the public hearing on an appeal concerning 3320 Grand Avenue to its March 4 meeting.
The commission's secretary told members the appellant called staff earlier in the day to report a family emergency and requested a continuance. James Christopher Rochelle, the property owner and appellant's opposing party, asked the commission to proceed, saying the matter has been pending since 2022 and he wanted resolution. "I don't really want to continue it. This has been going on since 2022," Rochelle said.
Staff (Zoning Administrator Robert Merkamp) told the commission that the department faces staffing constraints at the Feb. 18 meeting and recommended March 4 as a date certain if the commission chose to continue. Commissioners discussed fairness to the absent appellant and the applicant's interest in closure; Commissioner Alex Randolph said he was torn but felt giving the other party one more opportunity was appropriate.
Commissioner Randolph moved to continue the item to March 4; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call (all commissioners voting yes). Staff confirmed the item will be moved to a date certain of March 4 and will not be re‑noticed.
Next step: The appeal will be heard on March 4, 2026, unless the parties agree otherwise or new information is provided to the commission beforehand.
