Berkeley Weekly Update - 11/28/23

Council Approves New Zoning for Southside

Last week, the City Council voted on changes to the zoning code to allow for denser development in the Southside neighborhood. This ordinance is in response to the shortage of student housing and years of referrals by the City Council to explore increasing density in the neighborhoods around the UC campus. These changes will enable up to 2,650 new units within walking distance of UC Berkeley. Highlights of the changes are:

Allowing for ground floor residential uses in C-T.
Establishing minimum densities (60 units per acre in R-3, 100 R-S, 150 in R-SMU, and 200 in C-T.
Increases maximum heights (45 feet in R-3, 55ft in R-S, and 85ft in R-SMU and C-T). Buildings with more affordable housing could be taller based on state density bonuses.
Establishes new objective setback standards and open space requirements.
The City Council also added a requirement that new projects pay prevailing wages to construction workers.
The Council referred to the City Manager to explore adding requirements for windows for bedrooms and wider set backs at the ground floor to allow for more accessible public open space.

Earlier this year, Berkeley adopted an updated Housing Element, as required in every local jurisdiction across California every eight years. This serves as a blueprint on how each jurisdiction is going to accommodate the creation of housing as required under the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). Under RHNA, Berkeley needs to build 8,934 units of housing over a wide range of income levels between 2023-2031. The changes made last week will help Berkeley achieve this goal while promoting environmental sustainability.

Berkeley Inclement Weather Shelter Opens

Last week, the Council voted to amend the City’s contract with Dorothy Day House, the operator of the Inclement Weather Shelter at 1931 Center Street, for operations during this winter season. The 2023-2024 inclement winter shelter season will be from November 27, 2023 through April 15, 2023. The shelter will be activated when the overnight temperature is forecast at 40 degrees or below or if there is a 50% chance of rain. When activated, the shelter will be open Monday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. and on Sundays from 3:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. This schedule closely aligns with daytime indoor options during the winter season. Nightly shelter activities will include an evening meal and information about other homelessness resources, including how to access a year-round shelter bed if available. For more information, contact Dorothy Day House at 510-606-2026 or 510-705-1325.

Berkeley High Wellness Center Opens

Earlier this fall, Berkeley High opened its new Wellness Center. The Center serves as a calming space where students can talk with each other and adults about challenges they are experiencing, participate in wellness/support groups, and get connected with additional resources. This comes at a time of renewed focus and awareness of youth mental health in the aftermath of the pandemic and impacts associated with isolation and anxiety. Earlier this year, a report on the School District’s Mental Health needs was published, in collaboration between BUSD and the City. The report identifies various needs and actions which are in the process of being implemented.

The City of Berkeley’s Mental Health Division provides services for children and youth under 21 who live in or attend school in Berkeley and is covered by Alameda County Medi-Cal insurance. For more details, click here.

Tots Winter Carnival

Come and play at our Winter Wonderland this Saturday, 10am-1pm, at the Frances Albrier Community Center (2800 Park St)! This event will feature tot-friendly games, art station and prize booth for tots ages 0-5 years old. Light refreshments will be served. All tots must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required, and tickets cost $10 per child. For more information, call 510-981-5150.

Holiday Gift Fair

Kick off your holiday shopping in Downtown Berkeley! The 5th Annual Berkeley Holiday Gift Fair is back on Thursday, November 30th from 3-7pm at Hotel Shattuck Plaza. Get gifts for everyone on your list in one place while supporting 25+ local businesses. This community event is free to attend. Enjoy complimentary eco-friendly gift wrapping by Berkeley Rotary Club.

What: 5th Annual Berkeley Holiday Gift Fair

When: Thursday November 30th, 3-7pm

Where: Hotel Shattuck Plaza, 2086 Allston Way

This year’s Fair is presented by Berkeley Chamber with support from City of Berkeley, Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Mechanics Bank, and Martin Marietta Berkeley Asphalt & Readymix.

Mayor's Office Holiday Party

You are invited to my third annual holiday party and food drive!

Friday, December 15 from 6pm-8pm

at Triple Rock, 1920 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley.

No need to RSVP. In lieu of tickets, canned food or a monetary donation will be appreciated*. Light refreshments will be provided along with a no host bar. Wearing an ugly sweater is optional, but recommended!

Contact my office if you have any questions mayor@cityofberkeley.info, 510-981-7100.

I Hope to see you there!

*Canned food will be donated to the Alameda County Community Food Bank. Monetary donations (cash, check, online/credit card) will be donated to the Berkeley Holiday Fund.