development

Alerted council to a developer at 1130 Oxford Street abusing state housing laws to bypass discretionary review for a 32-home project.

Warned the council that a developer at 1130 Oxford Street is abusing state housing laws to build 32 luxury homes on a steep hillside without proper review.

Shared research studies questioning whether market-rate housing alone solves affordability and urged council to consider comprehensive strategies.

Spoke as the applicant for the 5th Street rezoning and suggested including an adjacent city-owned parcel.

Provided input on housing conservation priorities from the Center for Independent Living.

Shared personal experiences working with YouthWorks and the positive impact of youth employment programs.

Expressed gratitude for YouthWorks helping overcome homelessness and funding college education.

Expressed concern that downtown vacancies and construction impacts hurt small business owners who do not own their property, noting that many cultural draws have disappeared.

Criticized high commercial rents, unhoused populations, and city trash pickup, arguing that city officials lack compassion and are failing residents.

Thanked OED for their partnership on the downtown business improvement district renewal, noted progress on homelessness, and urged the city to maintain street-level enforcement and consider a discretionary budget for economic development.

Commemorated the passing of local counterculture figure Country Joe McDonald.

Addressed council regarding recent density bonus appeals and building standards.

Submitted a London School of Economics article arguing that economic inequality rather than regulation drives the housing crisis.

Expressed concern over corridor upzoning and proposed 8-story buildings in charming village areas like the Elmwood, Solano, and North Shattuck.

Represented the North Shattuck Alliance appealing the 2109 Virginia Street project, citing scale, lack of waiver justification, and toxic site concerns.

Project developer who spoke in favor of the 2109 Virginia Street project, noting it targets older Berkelians downsizing and helps free up single-family homes.

Spoke on behalf of appellants regarding the legal and environmental inadequacies of the 2109 Virginia Street project, specifically citing toxic soil remediation concerns.

Board member of Save Berkeley Shops, arguing that the project lacked required findings under the 1982 Neighborhood Commercial Preservation Ordinance.

Stated that high-rise construction in North Shattuck is unwanted and will harm local businesses like Chez Panisse and the Cheese Board.

Advocated for reviving downtown Berkeley corridors and supporting local cinema facilities.