Oakland is getting a makeover. But will it doom small...

Oakland’s makeover is on a rapid pace.

On the corner of Harrison and 19th streets in downtown, construction noise emanates from a rising mixed-use development.

Part of the sidewalk is walled off by a graffiti-covered plywood fence topped with barbed wire. Trucks dropping off equipment idle in the street, often turning that section of 19th Street into a one-lane road. Drivers honk their horns, adding to the cacophony of drills, jackhammers and hydraulic cranes.

Small businesses in Oakland, like the stores on this stretch of 19th Street, are getting used to the noise. They might also be getting used to the idea of not having a place in the city after the makeover is complete.

Last week, as I chatted with Fernando Carpenterhas almost doubled in the past year. They know the rent might become too expensive to afford.

VAMP is a store for people who like items found at flea markets, garage sales, thrift stores and antique shops. Laid out in a 650-square-foot space, VAMP is best known for selling vinyl records and vintage clothes.

“The shop is really a catalyst for me to be able to connect to the community,” Parker said. “Oakland is a very musical city, historically.”

Parker, 43, grew up in Southern California and moved to Oakland in 2008. Carpenter, 48, was born in San Francisco and raised in San Mateo. He’s lived in Oakland for two decades.

When I moved to Oakland four years ago, I was told to visit VAMP if I wanted to plug into the