Editorials

City Council to Consider Antennae Challenge

By JOHN GELUARDI
Tuesday April 01, 2003

Budget workshop 

Prior to the regular City Council meeting, the council will hold a budget workshop at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers to hear presentations from Information Technology Director Chris Mead and Animal Care Services Manager Kate O’Conner about existing services and resources. In November, 2002, Berkeley voters approved a $7.2 million bond to build a new animal shelter. 

Wireless antennae appeal 

The council will consider the appeal of a group of North Berkeley neighbors who are challenging the Zoning Adjustments Board approval of three Sprint wireless communication antennae on the rooftop of a two-story building at the intersection of Shattuck Avenue and Cedar Street. 

Neighbors have filed two separate appeals with a total of 19 appeal issues that range from poor public notice to concerns about health consequences from exposure to radiation emitted from the antennas.  

The City Manager has recommended the council deny the appeal and allow the project to proceed. 

Public hearing: 2508-2514-2516 Benvenue and 2500 Benvenue 

The council will continue the public hearing on the ZAB’s approval of the American Baptist Seminary of the West’s request to demolish single-family dwellings at 2514 and 2516 Benvenue Street to allow the construction of a five-story mixed-use building, which will include 23 dwelling units and 22 dormitory-style beds.  

Also at 2508 Benvenue, the ZAB’s approval of the renovation and reconfiguration of an existing building to add six new dwelling units for a total of 21 units.  

Concerning 2500 Benvenue, the hearing will be continued on the ZAB’s approval of the renovation of a 12-unit building including the addition of 12 units for a total of 24 units. 

Razor fences get cut 

The City Council is expected to approve the second reading of a new ordinance that will prohibit the use of sharp edged or otherwise dangerous fences in residential districts.  

The council considered banning razor fences when several residents complained that their neighbors had installed the fences creating a hazard. Some of the neighbors said they had been injured by the sharp edges while gardening on their properties. The new ordinance will go into effect 30 days from the second reading. 

 

The City Council meets in the City Council Chambers at 2134 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Live broadcasts of the meetings can be heard on KPFB Radio 89.3 and Cable -TV Channel 25 & 78.