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The nearly 20-year battle over the identity of West Berkeley likely will flare up again Wednesday night when the Planning Commission considers setting a public hearing on zoning protections for light manufacturing, artist studios and artisan work shops.  

The commission will consider holding a public hearing on a subcommittee report that calls for increased restrictions on office conversions and a reassertion of zoning protections for light manufacturing and arts- and craft-oriented businesses.  

The West Berkeley Multiple Use Light Industrial district, or the MU-LI, is characterized by former manufacturing facilities now converted into workshops and studios. 

The area has a wide diversity of uses but is most known for artisan businesses such as cabinet makers, printers, glass blowers, fabric printers and jewelry makers.  

The issue has long divided both the Planning Commission and the City Council. 

Proponents of restricting offices say the district is in danger of losing good jobs and a vibrant cultural tradition. 

Opponents argue that the restrictions are too severe and don’t allow flexibility for future economic development.  

“This is coming to us again simply to keep offices out,” said City Councilmember Miriam Hawley. “It’s silly because nobody wants to develop offices now anyway because of the poor economy. Although it would be nice to have that option in the future should light industry leave the city.” 

City Councilmember Kriss Worthington argued that the West Berkeley artists and artisans are a vulnerable group and easily could be forced out by developers who see large profits in converting light industrial space into offices.  

He added that manufacturing jobs have grown in the district. 

“I am very much in support of protecting manufacturing jobs and passionately supportive of protecting artists and artisans,” he said. “Artists contribute enormously to the cultural vibrancy of Berkeley and they are an important element of what makes Berkeley a fascinating and unusual place.” 

In 2001, the commission, after a bitter process, recommended that City Council approve a temporary moratorium on office development in the district. The council, after months of consideration and requests for clarification from the divided Planning Commission, enacted on June 12 a one-year moratorium by a narrow margin over the objections of the city manager.  

The moratorium expired last December. A Planning Commission subcommittee compiled a report that calls for more permanent restrictions on office development. 

Planning Commissioner Susan Wengraf said she wants a report from the Planning Commission before a public hearing.  

“I think it’s a very disorganized and confusing report,” she said. “We need some data and we certainly need to hear from all the stake holders, property owners and the unions.” 

Commissioner Zelda Bronstein disagreed. “This is a 15-page report with nearly 70 pages of supporting addendums,” she said. “This report is certainly ready and the best way to hear from all the stake holders is to hold a public hearing.” 

The Planning Commission meeting will be held at the North Berkeley Senior Center Wednesday, April 23, at 7 p.m.