No plan has been put forth for how the city will accommodate the massive amount of housing possible under the city’s expanded zoning. – Almost all of the residential lots in Berkeley can now have a minimum of a three-story, eight-unit building constructed on it. Our city is already failing to maintain its essential infrastructure. How will they ever deal with the increased needs?
Details
There is a belief that increased lot coverage of 60% (greater than 70% with the addition of Accessory Dwelling Units), a five foot front setback, and increased building height limits to three or more stories will have no consequences. But urban heat islands and wind tunnels will be created throughout the city. There will be greater surface water runoff due to less permeable land area, likely increasing the contamination of the Bay and flooding. It is not clear where the essential water will come from for the increased population. It is not clear how we will eliminate the use of cars and control congestion (since there will be little parking required for new developments). There are no provisions for additional public transit or requirements to include neighborhood open space or to maintain a walkable city by preserving neighborhood commercial areas. Biodiversity will become a thing of the past as habitat is diminished.
The failure to address these issues in a meaningful way is shortsighted and irresponsible.