Features

Berkeley’s Planning Commission and the Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) will each hold hearings this week on the draft environmental impact report (EIR) on the proposed new Berkeley Bowl. 

The site, at the southwest corner of the intersection of Ninth Street and Heinz Avenue in West Berkeley, has generated opposition from those who fear problems from traffic and the expansion of commercial zoning in the area. 

Public comments will be considered by the staff for possible consideration and inclusion in a final EIR that must be prepared before the city can act on the project. 

The Planning Commission meeting starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1900 Hearst Ave. The ZAB meeting starts at 7 p.m. Thursday in City Council Chambers, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. 

The Planning Commission will also consider a report from city Housing Director Steve Barton on the Alameda County-wide Homeless and Special Needs Housing Plan. 

ZAB will also hear two wireless phone antennae proposals and two food service permit issues, one to establish a carry-out food service store at 2948 College Ave. and the other to extend the hours of an existing quick-service restaurant at 2548 Bancroft Way. 

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