We want to let you know that on Tuesday evening, after much debate and public comment, the City Council voted 6-3 in favor of Community Commercial Sidewalks and Public Space initiative, including up to nine potential new ordinances, and better enforcement of current ordinances, to deal with problematic street behavior in the Downtown and Telegraph. Thank you to many Downtown stakeholders (merchants, residents, property owners, etc.) who came out to tell their story and share their point of view on this initiative. You can read more about the City Council meeting on Berkeleyside.
The next step is for City Staff to do the analysis of how to best implement these new ordinances, and ensure consistency of current ordinances. We estimate that this process will take a couple months. Then Council will review staff recommendations and decide which ordinances to implement. We will need Downtown stakeholders to turn out again before Council makes it final decision. We will keep you apprised of progress as this initiative moves forward.
On Tuesday night Council also passed the Positive Change donation box pilot program, by a vote of 8-0 with one abstention. We are working out the details on administration and installation of the boxes, but hope to have the first ones up in a matter of weeks.
Please do not hesitate to call me or email me if you have any question, suggestions or comments.
Best, John
P.S. We also hope to see you at our Annual Meeting, 5-7pm, Tuesday, April 14th
