Ocean Avenue’s long-delayed redevelopment is reshaping the way Ingleside residents and small businesses think about the future of their neighborhood.
Empty storefronts, inconsistent timelines from developers, and confusion over what comes next have created a mix of frustration and hope along one of the area’s key commercial corridors. Multiple businesses along the block reported receiving eviction warnings or short-term leases years before any construction began. One employee at Pet Expert said he first learned about the redevelopment effort from a nearby salon.
“I heard about it from Ocean Hair Design when I was getting a haircut,” he said.
He added that the plan made him “dismayed” and worried for longtime merchants, even though he hadn’t thought deeply about it before. He described the block as “always feeling half empty,” and said he hopes future changes will turn Ocean Avenue into a “more vital spot” for the greater Ingleside neighborhood.
His store sits on the same stretch as Plant Lady, the neighborhood plant shop known for its loyal regulars, and The Ave Bar, a former Legacy Business that closed last year after a burglary. Both storefronts represent what people fear losing: long-term anchors that contribute to the personality of the street. Their experiences mirror what small businesses across Ocean have faced as uncertainty has dragged on.
Community concerns stand in contrast to the goals outlined by the Ocean Avenue Association, the nonprofit that manages safety, cleanliness, and business support along the corridor. Rosendo Betancourt, who leads the organization, said the long-term vision is simple.
“We want Ocean Avenue to grow into an even more vibrant, close-knit commercial corridor—one where existing businesses thrive and new businesses feel excited to anchor themselves here.”
He emphasized that redevelopment is meant to expand food, entertainment, and service options while improving walkability and neighborhood pride.
The association says it regularly checks in with merchants and residents through surveys, emails, and in-person visits. Betancourt explained that community feedback directly shapes their programs, from block parties to business vouchers.
“Small businesses and long-term residents are central to our planning,” he said. “We take their input seriously.”
Still, funding gaps and delays continue to slow progress. OAA is much smaller than other Community Benefit Districts, making it harder to push forward major upgrades.
“Redevelopment is a slow but steady process with a lot happening behind the scenes,” Betancourt said. He added that their goal is to balance community priorities with the expectations of the city, even when timelines don’t line up.
The Ingleside Light reported earlier this year that vacant storefronts and unresolved contamination issues have stalled development for more than a decade. These delays have hurt foot traffic, which businesses say was already struggling after the pandemic. Stores like Plant Lady rely heavily on consistent walk-ins from regulars and neighborhood visitors, and empty blocks make that harder.
To counter that trend, the Ocean Avenue Association has been investing in smaller, high-impact events. Their November Block Party, organized after surveying merchants, brought residents to the corridor through local vendors, coupon vouchers, and community activities. Foot traffic increased noticeably, and the association plans more events like Boba Walks, Wine Walks, and the upcoming Holiday Open House. Meanwhile, shops like the Pet Expert remain cautiously hopeful. When asked what Ocean Avenue needs most, the owner gave a simple answer: “More activity. Depending on what they build, it could finally make this area feel alive.”
For now, many residents and business owners are still waiting to see whether the next phase of redevelopment will bring the positive change they hope for or continue the long stretch of uncertainty that has defined the block for years.
