Features

For the second time, city Design Review Commissioners have expressed their unanimous disapproval of designs for South Berkeley’s “Flying Cottage.’ 

Architect Andus Brandt’s earlier version of the three-story structure at 3045 Shattuck Ave. was rejected unanimously by the DRC in December. 

Owner/builder Christina Sun elevated an existing cottage atop a plywood shell in 2003 and was stopped after neighbors complained that the ungainly structure was out of character with the neighborhood and that Sun hadn’t taken out the necessary permits. 

Architect Andus Brandt’s revisions of his earlier plans failed to pass DRC muster again on Feb. 17. 

Commissioner Carrie Olson called the structure “a very odd building,” and described the proposed windows and “hideous.” 

Brandt was asked if he was willing to submit another set of revisions, but he chose outright rejection instead so he could take his proposal directly to the Zoning Adjustments Board.  

Olson said the unanimous rejection was the first vote of its kind she could remember. 

West Berkeley Land Use Disputed 

Stirred by the incursion of retail and other development into land once reserved for industry, arts and crafts in West Berkeley, the West Berkeley Association of Industrial Companies has convened a Thursday night public forum to discuss the issue. 

Moderated by West Berkeley woodworker John Curl, the meeting will feature a panel discussion featuring City Councilmembers Linda Maio and Darryl Moore, Susan Libby of Libby Laboratories, Mary Lou Van De Venter of Urban Ore, Don Yost of Norheim & Yost realty, economic analyst Neil Mayer and Sharon Cornu, Political Director of the Central Labor Council of Alameda County. 

The two-hour meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Alliance Graphics, 905 Parker St. (at Seventh Street). 

The West Berkeley Plan, which calls for protection of existing industrial space, is up for reconsideration this year.