Yes on R for a Better Downtown Berkeley

Please vote Yes on R for a responsible plan that sets clear guidelines for improvements that will make downtown Berkeley a nicer, greener place to live, work, and shop.

First, the policy: Measure R is rightfully presented as a green plan for downtown Berkeley. Measure R would put in place a revised Downtown Area Plan to set rules for what can and can't be built in downtown. Mostly, that means up to five-story buildings. The plan also allows up to five taller buildings (yes, only five, not the forest of skyscrapers some opponents would have you think). And, it would allow those five only if they follow a "Green Pathway" that requires
buildings provide transit passes, car-sharing, bike parking, meet "LEED Gold" green building requirements, hire local construction workers, and a host of other requirements. If passed and implemented, Measure R would make it more possible for more people to walk, bike, and take transit instead of having to drive everywhere, thereby decreasing Berkeley's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. And at the same time it would provide more affordable housing Berkeley families desperately need, as well as local jobs.

Second, the process: This plan emerged from five years of deliberation, first by a citizens advisory committee then all of Berkeley's regular committees and commissions, and then finally the City Council. Some vocal opponents were unhappy, so the council made some concessions and passed it. The opponents were still unhappy, gathered signatures and qualified for a referendum. So the council took another look, made some more changes (including the "Green Pathway" to be described in a moment), and put it on the ballot. Those same opponents are still unhappy (although even their own ballot argument admist they agree on 90% of the issues), and just can't seem to handle the idea that a democratic process has some give and take. NOT approving this measure would mean more delay and a longer wait before the city can get the changes downtown Berkeley needs.

Third, the politics: Anywhere else, this would be seen as the greenest downtown plan ever, and it wouldn't even have to be on the ballot. Here in Berkeley, a bunch of recalcitrant opponents have held up a good plan for years and are completely mischaracterizing it. Yes on R is supported by the Sierra Club, Greenbelt Alliance, the League of Conservation Voters, the League of Women Voters, and the Alameda County Central Labor Council.

This is one of those times that living in Berkeley feels like living in a funhouse mirror. Opponents say the plan is not green, but this is truly one of Berkeley's best opportunities to demonstrate that we really meant it in 2006 when 80% of us voted to set aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets and tell the city to make plans to get there. This plan is one very important way to get there. Vote Yes on R.