Page One

Heights and sprawl

Barbara Sargent Berkeley
Friday November 01, 2002

To the Editor: 

 

What will Berkeley look like if Measure P, the height initiative passes? I have read many letters for and against it. All the writers are certain about the effects on Berkeley should P pass. As for my own vote I'm still undecided. 

A few things are clear to me. In NYC, where I come from, there is density, liveliness, a world class, inexpensive transportation system and horrendous traffic. It can take 10 to 20 minutes to drive just five to ten city blocks in any direction; one needs a touch of insanity to drive in city traffic. There is also a spread of density into suburbs which had been semi-rural areas not very long ago. Density did not prevent buildup around the city nor dense traffic within it despite the excellent public transit; and the cost of housing there is not low. 

Does anyone really know what Measure P or a vote against it would bring us? 

I still don't know what my vote will be. 

 

Barbara Sargent 

Berkeley