Author: Steven Donaldson

Housing Policies Outline

Posted on By Steven Donaldson
Our Work

Berkeley is in the midst of a severe housing crisis that demands fundamental policy shifts. Fueled by a worsening regional housing shortfall, prices in Berkeley and across the region have climbed to record highs. Berkeley can’t solve this crisis alone, but that does not relieve us of our responsibility to do our part by producing more market-rate and affordable housing. If we do not act, Berkeley may very well lose its cultural and economic diversity.

Berkeley’s policy platform includes the following topics and statements that encapsulate our vision for Berkeley’s efforts to address the housing crisis:

Transit-Oriented Development. Promote dense housing in areas with good access to jobs, transit, and other amenities.

Housing Diversity. Encourage a variety of housing types to accommodate households at different life stages and income levels.

Streamlined Process. Reduce or eliminate regulatory obstacles to housing creation.

Affordable Housing. Leverage new incentives, funding, and policy mechanisms to promote creation and retention of low- and middle-income housing.

Accessory Dwelling Units. Make it easy for homeowners to add accessory dwelling units in areas with good transit access.

We hope that Berkeley will act as a regional leader, helping to foster the collective action necessary to make housing more plentiful and affordable. Livable Berkeley encourages the City to heed these statements and adopt supportive policy proposals that draw from our more specific recommendations.

Transit-Oriented Development

  • Increase density along key corridors.
  • Pursue new housing at underdeveloped BART stations.
  • Tap into the potential of West Berkeley.

Housing Diversity

  • Implement Transitional Zoning as a buffer between higher and lower density.
  • Incentivize additional ownership housing.
  • Provide opportunities for entry-level housing.
  • Encourage micro units and cooperative living.

Streamlined Process

  • Accelerate the production of housing.
  • Eliminate lengthy and unnecessary discretionary processes.
  • Establish by-right zoning provisions.
  • Shorten historical and design review processes.

Affordable Housing

  • Implement incentives for additional low- and middle-income housing.
  • Deploy creative land use mechanisms to create affordable housing.
  • Pursue an affordable housing bond.
  • Encourage new student housing.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

  • Expand the geographic scope of the City’s ADU policies.
  • Adopt responsive design standards to permit larger ADUs.

Climate Action Plan

Posted on By Steven Donaldson
Activities

Berkeley’s Climate Action Plan, adopted by the City Council in 2009, is the overarching planning document guiding future development in Berkeley.

Livable Berkeley evaluates plans and projects in Berkeley in the context of achieving our greenhouse gas reduction goals.

In order to meet the Greenhouse Gas Reduction goals set by the voters, the city must reduce transportation-related emissions. That means making our city more walkable, having more people living on major corridors with transit and having more services available to them within walking distance.

In November 2006, Berkeley voters issued a bold call to action on global warming – to reduce our entire community’s greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. To achieve this goal, the city developed a Climate Action Plan.

Here’s what you can do: Commit to reducing your greenhouse gas emissions following the guidelines on the City’s Climate Action website: www.berkeleyclimateaction.org

Kitchen Table Discussions

Posted on By Steven Donaldson
Activities

Join us for our first Kitchen Table Discussion…

BART 101, BART BASICS in Plain Speak

This will be an informal discussion about what BART is and could be, and what it will take to change it, all in non-wonk-speak we can all understand!

Light refreshments to be provided, dinner options available for purchase from PiQ.

See you there!

When: Tuesday, April 1, 6pm – 8pm 

Where: PiQ Bakery, 91 Shattuck Square (at Addison)

Downtown

Posted on By Steven Donaldson
Activities

Rendering presented at February 3, 2014 concept design meeting. – See more at: http://www.bart.gov/about/projects/dbp

Continuing our focus on revitalization of Downtown Berkeley.

The Downtown is starting to attract the type of projects outlined in the Downtown Plan and Livable Berkeley will engage in these development processes to help Berkeley achieve its broader sustainability goals in affordable housing, transportation options, and GHG reductions.

On March 20, 2012, the City Council passed the new Downtown Plan, affirming the vision for a growing, vibrant Downtown Berkeley. 

After seven years, we are finally moving forward. It is with great pride and excitement that we now begin the implementation process that will make our shared vision a reality.

We look forward to engaging our neighbors and coalition partners as we bring to fruition the changes and improvements in store for Downtown Berkeley.

Let’s get to work!

The Downtown Plan focuses on more housing within walking distance of transit, higher education, jobs, services, and entertainment.

Great things are already underway: new programs are making Downtown Berkeley more welcoming, and the UC Art Museum is coming to our thriving Arts District.

All of this makes our Downtown – the heart of our city – a more desirable place to live, work, and play. 

Adoption of this plan will allow more jobs and housing, further enhancing the vitality of our Downtown and attracting more restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

Livable Berkeley took a lead on the Measure R campaign and wants to ensure that the passage of the Downtown Area Plan achieves all of the community goals described in Measure R. We will be watching and weighing in to make sure that the final adopted plan can deliver the revitalization and community benefits that Berkeley voters endorsed by passing Measure R by 64.2%.

Berkeley voters passed Measure R on November 2, 2010, affirming the City’s environmental and economic revitalization goals for the downtown. It received over 50% in all precincts and passed by 70% in the Downtown precincts.

The coalition of environmental, housing, arts and business advocates formed to pass Measure R demonstrates that sustainability is in everyone’s interest.

Measure R was endorsed by Livable Berkeley, Greenbelt Alliance, Sierra Club,League of Women Voters, California League of Conservation Voters, Downtown Berkeley Association, Alameda County Building Trades, Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, Bicycle Friendly Berkeley Coalition, Berkeley Design Advocates,Sustainable Business Alliance, Berkeley Food and Housing Project and many more.

Background:

On November 29, 2007, DAPAC (the Downtown Area Plan Advisory Committee) adopted a draft Downtown Area Plan. During the summer and fall of 2008, the Planning Commission worked with Planning Department staff to develop implementation measures, guide the environmental review process, and suggest refinements to goals and policies.

In July, 2009, the Council approved the Downtown Area Plan, but the two dissenting Council members led a signature drive to overturn the Plan by ballot measure. The Council opted to take a proactive approach by rescinding the original plan and instead placing Measure R on the ballot. Measure R put forward a broad vision of a more sustainable Downtown, with new jobs and housing close to transit, and novel incentives for green and socially responsible development. In November 2010, Berkeleyans overwhelmingly passed Measure R by a nearly 2-to-1 margin, with every Berkeley precinct voting YES. Measure R has come to fruition with the Downtown Area Plan now before the City Council.

Livable Berkeley Board members served on the Downtown Area Plan Advisory Committee, and Livable Berkeley held its own Community Workshop early in the DAPAC process. Throughout the process, Livable Berkeley has been advocating for development levels in the downtown that would accommodate a significant amount of new housing to help achieve the sustainability goals of the Climate Action Plan.

Sunday Streets Berkeley

Posted on By Steven Donaldson
Activities

With the City of Berkeley as a financial partner, Berkeley can join the Open Streets movement along with 70 other cities in the U.S., bringing the long-term community benefits of this exciting event to Berkeley.

What is Sunday Streets?

Sunday Streets (also called “Open Streets”) closes streets to automobile traffic for a day so that people may use the space for just about any activity other than driving. The streets become parks as foot traffic replaces car traffic. People bike, jog and dance, meet up with friends, meet someone new, and play. Everyone from businesses and community organizations to musicians and artists use the space creatively, engaging the public and providing spontaneity and discovery. People get out and connect with their community in a transformative way. This temporary public space inspires creativity and change for the better, on that day – and beyond. It sounds simple, yet it really is very new and exciting.

Sponsorship Opportunities

See pictures of Sunday Streets Berkeley on October 14, 2012

Promoting Economic Development, Public Health, Car-Free Transportation, and More

Open Streets are increasingly common in cities seeking new and fun ways to achieve economic, environmental, social, and public health goals. These goals are shared across business, civic and community groups.

Open Streets offer new economic opportunities for commercial districts. In a recent study of an Open Streets event in St. Louis, 73% of attendees spent money at a restaurant or store along the route, 68% became aware of a store or restaurant that was new to them, and 94% responded “Yes – Positively” to the question: “Does Open Streets change your feelings about the city?”

In city after city, initial opponents turn into big supporters after experiencing Open Streets, all vying to host the event in their neighborhoods.

Sunday Streets Berkeley – October 14, 2012 – Downtown to North Shattuck

Almost 20 blocks of Shattuck Avenue are proposed to be car-free. Except for major arterials, intersections on Shattuck will be closed to east-west traffic crossing Shattuck. Programming will showcase the Berkeley Arts District.

Sunday Streets Berkeley will be a celebration of local businesses and organizations, especially along the route. Storefronts will be unobstructed, and business owners will be encouraged to promote commerce and visibility by setting out seating on the street, hosting activities, and otherwise inviting interest and community.

The Sunday Streets Berkeley working committee consists of the Office of Mayor Tom Bates, Councilmember Jesse Arreguin, Livable Berkeley, the East Bay Bicycle Coalition, the Downtown Berkeley Association, and the North Shattuck Association.

Email your elected officials and let them know you support Sunday Streets Berkeley! 

Mayor Tom Bates: mayor@cityofberkeley.info

Council Members

Linda Maio: lmaio@cityofberkeley.info

Darryl Moore: dmoore@cityofberkeley.info

Max Anderson: manderson@cityofberkeley.info

Jesse Arreguin: jarreguin@cityofberkeley.info

Laurie Capitelli: lcapitelli@cityofberkeley.info

Susan Wengraf: swengraf@cityofberkeley.info

Kriss Worthington: kworthington@cityofberkeley.info

Gordon Wozniak: gwozniak@cityofberkeley.info

Housing Streamlining

Posted on By Steven Donaldson
Livable Berkeley

Livable Berkeley urges members of the Berkeley City Council to vote NO on Consent Item 16 on the July 12th, 2016 agenda. The following are selected excerpts from the proposed resolution and background materials, with responses indicating how the text of the item is incorrect and/or would undermine the intended purpose of the State legislation.

Excerpts from the resolution are shown in Italics; responses are shown in bold typeface:

 However, it is still not clear whether the new by-right law would pre-empt cities from applying higher affordability requirements than those imposed by the state. In addition, the Trailer Bill does not require by-right projects to meet any construction labor standards and would prohibit the ability of local governments to impose their own labor, environmental or social equity benefits for by-right projects.

This is out of date and incorrect. The City Council agenda materials for this item contain a discussion of the most recent version of the bill. This discussion indicates that the most recent version of the bill would require projects to meet the full range of “objective zoning standards” and “objective design standards” at the local level to qualify for streamlined approval.  Local affordable housing requirements, green building standards, and parking minimums/maximums are all examples of objective standards that would NOT be pre-empted by the legislation.

Governor Jerry Brown introduced a Budget Trailer Bill proposal for “By-Right Housing Approvals” which pre-empts local land use policies and housing development requirements to allow multi-unit development approvals as-of-right if a proposed development includes 10% for low income households or 5% for very low income households;

This is out of date and misleading. As currently proposed, the bill would not “pre-empt” local land use policies with respect to affordable housing requirements. The description of the revised bill explicitly states: “The new definition clarifies that an inclusionary housing ordinance is an ‘objective zoning standard.’”

The affordable housing requirements in the Trailer Bill are significantly below Berkeley’s existing inclusionary option to the Affordable Housing Mitigation Fee which is 10% of total market rate units in the project to be set aside at 50% AMI. This inclusionary option will soon be increased to 20% total market rate units set aside for low and very- low income households.

This is very misleading. As discussed above, the most recent version of the proposed bill would NOT force Berkeley to allow projects with less affordable housing than currently required. It would merely guarantee that because Berkeley’s affordable housing requirements are higher than those included in the bill, projects in Berkeley that meet the other objective standards would benefit from streamlined approvals.

Displacement of residents from Berkeley through real estate speculation is a continuing crisis;

The most recent version of the requires 1-to-1 replacement of any affordable units that are displaced by a proposed development that seeks streamlined approval:

“Unless development replaces units at a level of affordability equal to or greater than the level of a previous affordability restriction, the development may not be on any property that is (A) a parcel on which rental dwelling units are, or have been within past 5 years, subject to a recorded covenant that restricts rents to levels affordable to persons and families of lower or very low income; (B) subject to any other form of rent or price control; or (C) occupied by lower or very low income households.”

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Berkeley hereby urges the California State Legislature to offer the following amendments to the By-Right Housing Approvals Trailer Bill:

A. Clarify that the Trailer Bill does not take away the right of cities to adopt higher inclusionary standards, and those requirements would still be applicable to by-right projects.

The most recent version of the bill already includes clarifications that local inclusionary requirements are “objective standards” that must be met for projects to qualify for streamlined approvals.

B. An amendment which states that the By-Right Approvals pre-emption shall not apply to jurisdictions whose “performance” of housing production for very low, low and moderate-income residents constitutes at least 25% of its total housing production, as documented in the most recent Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) cycle and as documented in a current annual Housing Element Progress Report;

Your Voice Counts!

Posted on By Steven Donaldson
Activities

Mayor Tom Bates: mayor@cityofberkeley.info

Council Members

Linda Maio: lmaio@cityofberkeley.info

Darryl Moore: dmoore@cityofberkeley.info

Max Anderson: manderson@cityofberkeley.info

Jesse Arreguin: jarreguin@cityofberkeley.info

Laurie Capitelli: lcapitelli@cityofberkeley.info

Susan Wengraf: swengraf@cityofberkeley.info

Kriss Worthington: kworthington@cityofberkeley.info

Gordon Wozniak: gwozniak@cityofberkeley.info

Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza

Posted on By Steven Donaldson
Our Work

The Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza Improvement Project is one of the largest transportation projects in the works for Berkeley.

The project application has been submitted and BART, in coordination with the City of Berkeley, has begun the design process. BART has already hosted a workshop for community input and we strive to keep our members up-to-date and involved.

We encourage you to review the ideas put forth in the February 3 workshop and let us know what you think. Livable Berkeley and several of our partner organizations including the Downtown Berkeley Association and Berkeley Design Advocates have written letters with positions on design and program elements.

This new plaza can truly change and improve the image of Downtown Berkeley. We believe the revitalized plaza can create a beautiful and vibrant community gathering place for all of Berkeley.

If you like receiving updates on the future of projects in Berkeley, and want to help out, sign up for our emails!

Open Letter to the Berkeley City Council

Sunday Streets Berkeley

Posted on By Steven Donaldson
Our Work

With the City of Berkeley as a financial partner, Berkeley can join the Open Streets movement along with 70 other cities in the U.S., bringing the long-term community benefits of this exciting event to Berkeley.

What is Sunday Streets?

Sunday Streets (also called “Open Streets”) closes streets to automobile traffic for a day so that people may use the space for just about any activity other than driving. The streets become parks as foot traffic replaces car traffic. People bike, jog and dance, meet up with friends, meet someone new, and play. Everyone from businesses and community organizations to musicians and artists use the space creatively, engaging the public and providing spontaneity and discovery. People get out and connect with their community in a transformative way. This temporary public space inspires creativity and change for the better, on that day – and beyond. It sounds simple, yet it really is very new and exciting.

Sponsorship Opportunities

See pictures of Sunday Streets Berkeley on October 14, 2012

Promoting Economic Development, Public Health, Car-Free Transportation, and More

Open Streets are increasingly common in cities seeking new and fun ways to achieve economic, environmental, social, and public health goals. These goals are shared across business, civic and community groups.

Open Streets offer new economic opportunities for commercial districts. In a recent study of an Open Streets event in St. Louis, 73% of attendees spent money at a restaurant or store along the route, 68% became aware of a store or restaurant that was new to them, and 94% responded “Yes – Positively” to the question: “Does Open Streets change your feelings about the city?”

In city after city, initial opponents turn into big supporters after experiencing Open Streets, all vying to host the event in their neighborhoods.

Sunday Streets Berkeley – October 14, 2012 – Downtown to North Shattuck

Almost 20 blocks of Shattuck Avenue are proposed to be car-free. Except for major arterials, intersections on Shattuck will be closed to east-west traffic crossing Shattuck. Programming will showcase the Berkeley Arts District.

Sunday Streets Berkeley will be a celebration of local businesses and organizations, especially along the route. Storefronts will be unobstructed, and business owners will be encouraged to promote commerce and visibility by setting out seating on the street, hosting activities, and otherwise inviting interest and community.

The Sunday Streets Berkeley working committee consists of the Office of Mayor Tom Bates, Councilmember Jesse Arreguin, Livable Berkeley, the East Bay Bicycle Coalition, the Downtown Berkeley Association, and the North Shattuck Association.

Email your elected officials and let them know you support Sunday Streets Berkeley! 

Mayor Tom Bates: mayor@cityofberkeley.info

Council Members

Linda Maio: lmaio@cityofberkeley.info

Darryl Moore: dmoore@cityofberkeley.info

Max Anderson: manderson@cityofberkeley.info

Jesse Arreguin: jarreguin@cityofberkeley.info

Laurie Capitelli: lcapitelli@cityofberkeley.info

Susan Wengraf: swengraf@cityofberkeley.info

Kriss Worthington: kworthington@cityofberkeley.info

Gordon Wozniak: gwozniak@cityofberkeley.info

Parklets

Posted on By Steven Donaldson
Activities

For this event Livable Berkeley sponsored a “Pop-Up Parklet,” which was used and enjoyed throughout the day as a practical demonstration of how parklets can be successful in the City of Berkeley. Our “Pop-Up Parklet” meets all of the requirements for a sidewalk grade, wheelchair accessible parklet and can be set up again. The parklet, in use, can be viewed in the StreetsFilm video about Sunday Streets Berkeley, and in the photo below.

Pop-Up Parklet at Philz Coffee, Shattuck and Cedar Streets, Sunday Streets Berkeley, Oct. 14, 2012 (Photo: Alan Tobey) Livable Berkeley believes a Pilot Parklet program will be successful in Berkeley. We are fortunate to have a developed parklets program from San Francisco to build on, which is designed to minimize red tape and speed approvals. Still wondering what a parklet is exactly? How does it work? Who pays for it? Read the Berkeleyside article on North Berkeley merchants’ interest in parklets, and the excerpts below from Parklets: Experiments in Public Open Space, a Public Interest Design Publication.
A parklet is an urban intervention to create more public space. Parklets function as public space, much like a traditional park, but rely on the stewardship of a sponsoring business. Parklets are built in the public right-of-way, typically repurposing two adjacent parking spaces, shifting their use from the storage of cars to pedestrian-centered public space. A sponsoring business responds to a city-issued Parklet Request for Proposal (RFP) with a schematic design. Once approved the parklet receives a 1-year renewable permit. Parklets are generally seen by city officials as semi-temporary urban experiments. Yes, as part of the design and permit process, parklets are created to function as public space. Businesses that sponsor parklets are not allowed to use them as extensions of their business nor evict anyone from their parklet, unless they are doing something illegal. Parklets fall into the category of privately owned public open spaces.

MORE:

Letter to the Transportation Commission (May 16, 2013)

Email your elected officials and let them know you support Sunday Streets Berkeley!

Mayor Tom Bates: mayor@cityofberkeley.info
 Linda Maio: lmaio@cityofberkeley.info Darryl Moore: dmoore@cityofberkeley.info Max Anderson: manderson@cityofberkeley.info Jesse Arreguin: jarreguin@cityofberkeley.info Laurie Capitelli: lcapitelli@cityofberkeley.info Susan Wengraf: swengraf@cityofberkeley.info Kriss Worthington: kworthington@cityofberkeley.info Gordon Wozniak: gwozniak@cityofberkeley.info

Livable Berkeley is a local non-profit organization that advocates for equitable and sustainable development in the City of Berkeley. We champion projects and measures that protect the environment, promote equity, and enhance transportation, housing, and job choices. Community investment is key in our sustainable future, and parklets demonstrate the City leadership’s commitment to create a vibrant street life, support local businesses, and promote stewardship of our community.