The Port of Oakland has agreed to take more time negotiating the development of the massive Oakland Army Base. Members of the community want the port, the city and the developer to promise that some of the thousands of expected jobs will go to Oakland residents.

The exclusive negotiating contract was due to expire at the end of the month, so the vote to extend was no surprise. They want to develop the base and provide as many as 8,000 jobs.

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The community is asking developer Phil Tagami to sign a contract promising good jobs for Oakland residents.

”Traditionally, if the federal government’s role is there, their policies take precedent,” said Tagami. “So I don’t want to say it’s an act of Congress, but in some cases, with some of the requests, it may be.”

Kate O’Hara of the coalition “Revive Oakland” is optimistic.

”We know that we’re on a long path here, and what we need is a good jobs contract signed by CCG and AMB with the city and the port working with us to ensure good jobs for Oaklanders,” said O’Hara.

The Longshoreman’s Union were there watching with interest because they say so far, no one has talked to them.