Harbor Bay Landing
Harbor Bay Landing is more than a shopping center. It is where Bay Farm Island residents shop for groceries, fill prescriptions, enjoy a meal, and hang out with their neighbors.
At least it used to be.
Today, Harbor Bay Landing is deteriorating. Stores and restaurants have closed, needed maintenance has gone undone, and residents are understandably worried about its future.
Bay Farm Island deserves a mayor who understands how important Harbor Bay Landing is to our quality of life—and who is prepared to do the work required to renew it.
Hear from Tracy
For Bay Farm Island residents, Harbor Bay Landing is one of the few nearby places where we can meet many of our everyday needs. Its decline affects more than convenience. It affects the strength, character, and livability of our community.
I have listened to residents, neighborhood leaders, and local businesses. Their message is clear: We need immediate action to address the property’s condition, support the businesses that remain, and develop a realistic long-term plan for its future.
While others are now talking about Harbor Bay Landing, I have been working on the problem throughout my time on the City Council.
Experience That Delivers
When I learned from an employee of a Harbor Bay Landing restaurant that he was working in dangerous conditions I demanded an immediate City inspection. The city intervention to protect employees meant short-term closures of three restaurants, so I met with the restaurant managers and pressed the City Manager to expedite approval of the necessary repairs.
I have met with Harbor Bay Landing businesses to hear their concerns and identify ways the city can help them remain open and succeed.
I also met with Safeway management and toured the property to better understand the company’s needs and discuss how the city can support the continued presence of a full-service grocery store at Harbor Bay Landing.
By connecting with leaders of Bay Farm and Harbor Bay homeowners associations I have had opportunities to share information, hear residents’ concerns, and make sure Bay Farm Island has a strong voice at City Hall.
The people who live here should have a meaningful role in decisions about the future of their neighborhood shopping center.
At my urging, the City Manager prepared a detailed summary of the problems at Harbor Bay Landing and met with representatives of the property owner to develop a plan for maintaining neighborhood-serving retail.
I will continue pressing for accountability, timely repairs, and real progress—not simply more promises.
Shortly after joining the City Council, I developed a proposal for a commercial vacancy fee to discourage property owners from allowing leases to expire and leaving storefronts empty.
The proposal was added to Alameda’s Strategic Plan, giving the city a potential new tool to encourage property owners to maintain active, successful commercial centers.
Looking Ahead
Harbor Bay Landing needs both immediate attention and a sustainable long-term vision. As mayor, I will bring residents, businesses, city staff, and the property owner together around a plan that:
Harbor Bay Landing can once again become a thriving center of life on Bay Farm Island—but only if city leaders remain engaged and keep everyone working toward a real solution.
A Bay Farm Island Priority
I am proud that Bay Farm Island residents recognize the work I have already begun. Former Alameda County Supervisor and longtime Bay Farm Island resident Alice Lai-Bitker put it this way:
“Tracy Jensen is the first Councilmember I’ve seen take a real, sustained interest in turning Harbor Bay Landing around. She has listened to residents, met with local businesses and Safeway, and pushed City Hall and the property owner to act.”
As mayor, renewing Harbor Bay Landing will be one of my highest priorities. I will keep listening, keep bringing people together, and keep working until Bay Farm Island has the neighborhood center it deserves.
It’s hard work. Luckily, Tracy Jensen works hard.