The Berkeley City Council has marked a historic decision by approving the largest investment in the city’s history for affordable housing, designating a substantial $53 million to develop housing near the Ashby and North Berkeley BART stations.
In a unanimous vote on Tuesday night, the council announced a collaborative project with BART to construct hundreds of new affordable homes on the parking lots of both stations. Mayor Jesse Arreguin stated, “This vote is the culmination of years of community planning,” crediting Berkeley voters for making this funding possible.
The allocation aims for at least 35% of the total units to be affordable, translating to approximately 298 affordable units at the Ashby station and 271 at North Berkeley station, although the exact project details will take at least another year to finalize. The overall housing development could accommodate up to 850 apartments at Ashby and 775 at North Berkeley, with an anticipated completion of construction by 2031.
Additionally, the council has requested an investigation into the potential for another bond measure to fund further housing or infrastructure, with an ambition for 100% affordable housing at either or both sites. This 100% affordable project could cost around $302 million, underscoring the city’s commitment to addressing housing needs.
Funding for this project will primarily stem from Measure O, the housing bond approved by Berkeley voters in 2018, which contributes $40 million, while the remaining $13 million is expected from future affordable housing mitigation fees or other sources identified next year.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at fostering an equitable and sustainable community. Previous measures, such as Measure U1 in 2016, have also been established to support housing development, emphasizing voter support for tackling the housing crisis.
Moreover, the City Council plans to consider the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act in June, which would allow tenants the first chance to purchase their rental properties if they are put up for sale.
With these robust actions, Berkeley officials aim to set a national benchmark for overcoming the affordable housing crisis and homelessness, illustrating the power of collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable urban growth. The community’s proactive stance and the continued investments in affordable housing projects signify hope for better living conditions and sustainable development in the city.