Residents Want a Town Square to Replace Daughtrey's

In a recent article, Patch asked readers what they believe the empty building along Castro Valley Boulevard should turn into.

READ: What Should Go Here?: Huge Empty Building on Castro Valley Boulevard

Here are a couple of suggestions from Patch readers:

“I think this building should be a play place for young children 4 and under and a place for school kids of all ages to have a safe place to go do homework or socialize.” - Michelle Pagone

“Tear down the building, and if property still doesn't sell, convert the location to a small park or town square.” – YENRAB

“I believe this building should be torn down and a new 2-story covered parking garage should be built in its place. I would also add a decorative front to the building and plenty of trees to enhance its appearance in keeping with our new streetscape. If we don't have more parking, we are going to continue to lose business in the Village and on the Boulevard to the malls. More parking means more business. Do it now!” – Rene’ B

“Rubble! It brings down the core of Castro Valley. Build something that the community needs that will improve the revenue stream, so CV can become a self sufficient city.” – Gary Allsebrook

Many Castro Valley residents are advocating for the building to be torn down and turned into a town square.

The idea will be brought up at the Municipal Advisory Council meeting on Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Castro Valley Library.

In 2010, Alameda County’s Redevelopment Agency took control of the empty building. 

By 2012, agencies that managed redevelopment were eliminated — according to the California Department of Finance website.

The Alameda County Community Development Agency now owns the building. The agency has had a difficult time finding a buyer to purchase the site, and may sell the building for less than the purchase price to a buyer who has no obligation to redevelop the building.

According to the Castro Valley Matters Facebook page, a town square will increase foot traffic — which will encourage the community to support downtown businesses. A town square can also attract new retailers and restaurants to the center of town.

For more information about “Turn Daughtrey’s into Castro Valley’s Town Square”, please visit: 

• Castro Valley Matters Facebook page

• Let’s tear down Daughtrey’s and build a town square for Castro Valley Facebook page

• Castro Valley Matters blog page

Don’t forget to sign the petition to turn Daughtrey’s into Castro Valley’s town square! Click here!