Berkeley's upcoming 'Middle Housing' plan proposes significant residential upzoning citywide, allowing new developments up to three stories tall with minimal public oversight. Critics warn that this plan, devoid of affordability provisions and design standards, may lead to the displacement of residents, especially in vulnerable areas. Furthermore, proposed changes to the General Plan's Citizen Participation Element could stifle public engagement in planning decisions. The changes suggest an ironic commitment to citizen involvement only within narrow confines, contradicting the goal of genuine participatory governance by prioritizing rapid residential approval over community input.
The plan mandates 'by right' approval of new residences up to three stories high and up to 60% lot coverage, resulting in potential gentrification without affordability provisions.
The proposed amendments to the Citizen Participation Element of Berkeley’s General Plan seem aimed at minimizing public input, reminiscent of 1984’s Big Brother.
Collection
[
|
...
]