Public Comment

"High Rises" are appearing all around downtown, dwarfing the feel and look of what is left of the charm, uniqueness, and diversity of Berkeley.

These towering buildings grow larger and larger block sunshine, views, dwarf people, and create feelings of being crowded, overshadowed/overpowered by the sheer size of the planned edifices.

We like the city as it is now, with reasonable heights, that don't overwhelm. Reasonable heights can be built in less time, be more energy efficient, and cause less damage. What is being planned does not fit.  

What is planned will block UC campus. the Campanile, and views of the Bay. 

The new residential building on Center is sufficient height, balances the college building across the street; but then to create a massive monstrosity 18 stories high next door is just not good city-planning. 

Its like the Gaia building controversy again, but only bigger, and creating more damage to the entire block. 

It's not healthy for the community that thrives on balance. and a sense of proportion, preservation and history. 

Another too tall high rise is planned for the B of A site etc. etc. etc. Large UC buildings have also moved across Oxford into downtown. The exception is the Film Archive Center which can be excellent mixed use. 

Are plans for every new building enforced to be energy efficient, sustainable and reflective of this community? 

It's beginning to feel a lot like SF,, LA and NY-- and that's tragic. The high rises in those cities are mostly empty of people at night, with streets empty of social life. 

Is that the right move to foster a vibrant downtown? 

We like Shattuck Theatres as they are now. They are affordable, convenient and busy. The new plans will double their rent which would cause most people to not go out, but turn to Netflix. 

The mess and congestion on what is already treacherous narrow Shattuck streets will wreck havoc with pedestrians, cars and bikes over the construction planned to take 4 years. 

What is the real benefit to the city? 

New first floor stores, and other spaces to "build out. " will cost more to renovate and rent and the costs are driven upwards. 

Many old and new spaces are empty throughout downtown, rents are high, and they have not been filled with new businesses. 

These too high plans,and those underway for University and Shattuck, and the now under construction building on Addison create huge detrimental changes in Berkeley.  

This growth seems to continue without consideration for the best use of space. 

Developers are not interested in community. The Hill Street Reality is not even local, but LA based. . 

They have not planned for any common space, sidewalk use, or even parking which is almost impossible to find now. There is nothing included that is affordable for anyone--business or residences. 

An example of poor planning is the building under construction on Dwight and MLK. No parking spaces were allocated for the design. It's already in a crowded and highly congested area. Congestion is crowding out livability.  

Have you attempted to navigate Shattuck between Dwight and University towards N Berkeley after 4 PM? Its backed up for miles. 

Concerned any emergency vehicle can makes it through. Today I saw an ambulance cut to the wrong side of the street to navigate past congestion.This is not safe. 

Think about 4 years of construction just two blocks away with a gaping hole (like the huge Transbay terminal lot under construction in SF for past two years). 

Wonder if UC might provide after hours parking to the community at discounted rates? 

We are very concerned about what is happening as the "Berkeley Monopoly Game of Land Grab and Development" is played out. Where is "Boardwalk?" 

We feel that 80% of the population have not been considered in these "skies the limit" plans that were not fully revealed clearly when we voted for "Renewal for Downtown". There have been hidden deals made, and that's not healthy in the short or long term. 

There seems to be nothing that can be done about any of this, and that is sad. 

Who reviews plans and approves them? Is anyone from the community privy to designs to provide input? 

Is there not a limit on heights? 

Are the LA developers using the same design they have already used elsewhere? 

Do all members of the Planning staff live in Berkeley, and is everyone on staff invested in its future as a livable city? 

What's really happening to cause changes in Berkeley, and is it for better or worse? 

Thank you for your feedback.