University says more student housing must be built; proposal comes under criticism at virtual meeting.
By JON KAWAMOTO | East Bay Times | April 29, 2020 | UPDATED: April 30, 2020
BERKELEY — The mere mention of People’s Park - UC Berkeley’s historic battleground of anti-war activism in 1969 - still fires up emotions and passions in this city more than 50 years later. That’s exactly what happened Monday night, when the subject of a 16-story housing complex on the 2.9-acre plot of land was presented at a UC Berkeley study session about its long-range development plan. The university is accepting public comment on its long-term plan through May 15.
Most of the 56 people who submitted emails and letters during the online session criticized the proposed housing complex. Some considered it too massive and out of character for the south campus neighborhood. Others were opposed to any development on the city landmark site, saying it would irrevocably change the environment and culture. Still others objected to holding the online session during the coronavirus pandemic — and questioned the timing and restricted accessibility for public comment...
Despite the backlash and criticism, the university is proceeding with long-range plans for two housing projects — the Gateway Site, a single-building, 850-student bed, mixed-use proposal, and the People’s Park housing complex, which will also offer office and retail space...
There were several people who supported the plan. “I’m a student at Berkeley writing to express my strong support for housing projects No. 1 and No. 2,” Ben Eversole said. “UC Berkeley is in desperate need for more student housing, and these projects are the kinds of large-scale projects that the school should build.” ...
Full story at https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2020/04/29/uc-berkeleys-peoples-park-16-story-housing-project-presented-assailed/
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