Regarding “Changing to Berkeley zoning will unlock much-needed housing” (Open Forum SF Chronicle June 15). Darrell Owens, a former CA YIMBY staffer (not mentioned), says that Middle Housing will redress historical redlining and displacement. But, in a letter to City Council regarding the Middle Housing Ordinance, representatives from South Berkeley, the historical Berkeley African American neighborhood   write that, “These proponents of MH are engaging in moral grandstanding at our expense. MH will destroy our already impacted communities” by accelerating gentrification. As a city report states, neighborhoods where existing housing is relatively cheaper will be most impacted. The affluent hills will be exempt because of fire concerns.

Owens is also wrong on Middle Housing ending exclusive single-family zoning. He does not mention SB 9. With SB 9, up to four homes on an existing parcel are allowed, effectively “eliminating single-family only zoning” (Terner Center for Housing Policy-UC Berkeley). The photo is misleading as well. It shows beautifully articulated facades of two-story buildings. The proposed Middle Housing will allow three-story, box-like buildings. 

 Nico Calavita, Berkeley