New state housing laws curb power of Berkeley homeowners
The fight over a plan to build a 6-story apartment building on a vacant lot illustrates a power shift driven by California’s housing crisis.
The fight over a plan to build a 6-story apartment building on a vacant lot illustrates a power shift driven by California’s housing crisis.
The projects could bring more than 5,400 new residents to the city and result in 465 new jobs, according to staff.
The city could remove limits on tall buildings downtown, and provide quick approval for small apartments in most neighborhoods.
Critics say the move won’t make the Berkeley Hills safer during a wildfire, but will block new housing from wealthy neighborhoods.
Berkeley’s Independent Redistricting Commission is expected to make its choice for a new map over the coming weeks.
Homeowners in the Berkeley flatlands can now build two-story accessory dwelling units in their yards — as long as they inform their neighbors and tenants first.
Prompted by Berkeleyside’s investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against a Berkeley High teacher, Wicks is considering changes to the California Public Records Act and Education Code.
The marina has $113 million in unfunded infrastructure needs.
Some community members say the cameras will turn Berkeley into a “surveillance city” while others say they are sick of the violence.
Berkeley could lease two parcels on University Avenue and Frontage Road from the state for $1 for the project.
Last week, officials voted to spend about $11 million in tax revenue on new and existing services to address homelessness, including an RV parking program and an outdoor homeless shelter for up to 50 people.
Negotiations are continuing so city officials aren’t ready to state where the first site will be. It will not be at the Berkeley Marina, however.
© Cityside. All Rights Reserved.