Advancing Affordable Housing at North Berkeley BART |
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Rendering of the proposed development, which will also include open space and a connection to the Ohlone Greenway. Source: David Baker Architects |
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Last week, the City Council voted to approve the reservation of $24.5 million to support affordable housing development at the North Berkeley BART station. This is part of the City’s $53 million commitment to affordable housing at both Ashby and North Berkeley BART, with $13 million coming from Affordable Housing Mitigation Fees and the remaining $40 million from Measure O, with the $53 million being split evenly between both sites ($26.5 million each). $2 million had previously been allocated for predevelopment activities. The funding will help with the creation of 265 units of affordable housing for households earning 30-70% Area Median Income. This will exceed requirements of having 35% of housing at the site being reserved for below-market rate, with over 50% of units expected to be reserved for affordable housing. This housing will be split between family housing and permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals, and includes a mix of sizes from studios to 3 bedrooms.
While the housing proposal includes a mix of affordable and market-rate housing, City funds are being used only on the affordable housing aspects. Also last week, Council approved the North Berkeley BART Affordable Housing Compliance Plan, which will require the market-rate portion of the site to contribute a minimum of $14.4 million, which can be leveraged for subsidizing affordable housing. The proposed development at North Berkeley BART will consist of around 750 units, new open space that connects to the Ohlone Greenway, childcare and retail, and a bike station. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2025.
Demolition Ordinance Promotes Housing Production, Tenant Protections |
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The Demolition Ordinance helps achieves the 3 P's of Housing: Produce new housing, Preserve affordable housing, Protect tenants. |
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Last week, the City Council voted to approve updates to the Demolition Ordinance, a vote several years in the making. The updated law was necessitated by SB 330, the Housing Crisis Act of 2019, a state law that requires new housing developments that result in the demolition of existing housing units to provide replacement units of equivalent size. The amendments include:
- Replacement Unit Affordability: Any protected unit (defined as below market rate (BMR), rent controlled, or occupied by a household at 50% Area Median Income (AMI) shall be replaced with equivalent units. If a demolished unit had a household at 50% AMI or lower, the replacement unit must be set at 30% AMI.
- Tenant Protections: All displaced tenants would have the right of first refusal for a comparable unit. If the previous unit was rent controlled, the displaced tenant would continue to have rent control for the duration of their tenancy in the replacement unit. If the tenant does not qualify for BMR, the replacement unit would be offered at prior rent with increases limited to what is allowed under rent control.
- Demolition Prohibition: Expands prohibition of units that had any no-fault eviction over the past five years (previously only for Ellis Act evictions). Demolition is currently prohibited if tenant harassment takes place, with the new ordinance empowering the Rent Board to make such determinations.
- Comparable Unit: Defines a Comparable Unit as a residential unit that contains the same number of bedrooms and of “equivalent size” in alignment with State Law.
- Mitigation Fee: Removes the option for a developer to pay a mitigation fee instead of replacing the demolished unit.
The approved Demolition Ordinance comes after years of meetings and community forums, including the Planning Commission and 4x4 Committee. Overall, these changes will help address housing affordability by providing clear guidance for developers on how to replace demolished units while preserving affordability and protecting existing tenants.
Celebrate Safely on July 4 |
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As we celebrate Independence Day, be reminded that fireworks, including those described as “safe and sane” are illegal in Berkeley and surrounding communities. Improper use of fireworks can cause severe injuries and pose a major fire risk. To help protect the hills, the following street closures with limited access for residents will be in effect:
- Grizzly Peak Boulevard, from Centennial Drive to Skyline Boulevard: July 4, 5am - July 5, 5am
- Panoramic Way: July 4, 2pm - July 5, midnight
- Prospect Street: July 4, 2pm - July 5, midnight
This week has the potential to be the warmest week of the year, with the East Bay Hills currently under a Red Flag warning through Wednesday evening and Berkeley under a Heat Advisory through Sunday evening. Warm temperatures (mid 80s in Berkeley and 100s in inland Bay Area locations), low humidity, and gusty conditions are expected throughout the week. On Monday night, a two-acre fire in the Berkeley Hills was contained due to the quick work of the Berkeley Fire Department and neighboring agencies. Fireworks are confirmed to have started the fire.
If you see fireworks being discharged, please report them to Berkeley Police non-emergency dispatch at (510) 981-5900. For more information on street closures and rules on fireworks, click here.
Protect Yourself and Others from COVID Summer Surge |
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Have you or someone you know caught or been exposed to COVID-19 recently? More people have been reporting such cases, and the data showsthat the Bay Area is currently experiencing an increase in cases. Summer surges have happened in previous years, typically peaking around mid-July. With high temperatures causing people to congregate indoors and significant traveling during the July 4 holiday, cases are expected to increase in the coming week.
While hospitalizations and deaths remain low, infections can cause long-term health impacts and financially compromise people unable to work due to illness. There are multiple steps you can do to reduce exposure to yourself and others. Get a booster shot if you have not been vaccinated recently and get tested if you have been exposed or exhibiting symptoms. Wear a mask such as an N95 in crowded indoor environments. Taking simple steps and remaining vigilant will help us get through this surge.
Upcoming City, Council, and Commission Meetings |
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Below is a list of City meetings over the next week. Check the City’s Events webpage for a full list of meetings and for any changes to meetings.
City Council
Commissions
Other Meetings |
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