Citing the "tremendous" need for new housing in Berkeley, and its location near BART along key transit lines, officials overturned a zoning board vote to reject a five-story "co-housing" project at Shattuck and Ashby.
Renovations, which includes a major seismic retrofit, are expected to take 12-18 months.
Randy Shaw argues more apartment complexes must be built in neighborhoods like the Elmwood and Thousand Oaks to ensure teachers and nurses can afford to live here. He will talk at Books Inc. on Thursday.
Zoning board members got their first chance to weigh in on plans for a new 12-story building proposed on Shattuck at Berkeley Way. Their advice? Have some fun with the design so it reflects more of Berkeley’s quirkiness.
A new affordable housing project for seniors, on land at Oxford and Cedar streets donated by — and next to — All Souls Episcopal Parish, won unanimous approval Thursday night from Berkeley’s zoning board.
Zoning board commissioners somewhat regretfully approved a new five-story building in South Berkeley on Thursday, noting that state law largely tied their hands as far as changes they could make to the project.
350 bicycles can also park in the structure, along with 20 electric cars (it’s wired for an additional 37). There is an area for public art and a store.
If state Proposition 10 passes, Berkeley’s system of rent control – and the role of the Rent Board – could change dramatically.
© Berkeleyside. All Rights Reserved.
