UC Berkeley plans to become bigger, greener and more pedestrian friendly
The university’s new long-range plan includes building 12,000 housing units for a projected larger population.
The university’s new long-range plan includes building 12,000 housing units for a projected larger population.
There have been over 200 COVID-19 cases in the last week alone.
The number represents 25% of COVID-19 cases at the campus since its first reported case in April 2020.
With echoes of People’s Park’s legacy of resistance, protesters reacted Friday to UC Berkeley taking the first steps towards developing the land for student housing.
Cal said it will offer $54,000 or more to the occupants of 1921 Walnut St. to leave so it can build a 760-bed student housing project there.
Cal plans to construct housing for 1,200 students on one of Berkeley’s most historic sites.
About 2,000 students moved into dorms between Thursday and Sunday, despite all classes being online. They faced COVID testing, self-sequestering and limited socializing, but all were motivated to be here.
Students are choosing to live at home or withdraw for the semester. Some are still deciding. Of those who stay enrolled, only 3,200 will be able to stay in on-campus housing.
Students will be assigned to social bubbles and will have to sign a pledge agreeing to wear masks and to social distance.
Berkeley’s zoning board has approved eight medium-to-large housing projects around the city in 2020 totalling 560 units. See the roundup.
The four-story apartment complex on Walnut Street sits on land that might become part of a new 850-bed student housing project known as the Gateway.
The building would be part of a complex that could house as many as 1,200 students and 125 community members who need supportive housing. Cal is seeking public comment through April 27.
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