Between Reality and Wishful Thinking:
The University as a Neighbor

Monday, November 14, 2005 in the Multi-Purpose room of the Berkeley Alternative High School (corner of Derby and MLK, Jr., Way), there was a free public forum entitled "Between Reality and Wishful Thinking: The University as a Neighbor." The following is the press release for this event

UC brings Berkeley world-class intellect and culture. And the University is the largest employer in town. But UC is also a major source of traffic and air pollution. The University is the largest landowner in Berkeley, but its property is exempt from municipal regulation. The University uses city services (sewer, police, fire) but is not required to pay taxes, resulting in a higher tax burden for those who do pay taxes. UC supplies only a fraction of the housing needed by its students.

In a secret 6-3 vote taken in May 2005, the City Council settled its lawsuit over projected UC development. What does the settlement mean for city services, city taxes and the quality of life in Berkeley?

The UC administration has plans for major campus expansion, with much of the new development targeted at areas west of campus in Berkeley’s downtown. The settlement of the City’s lawsuit mandated a new Downtown Plan.

How will that plan address UC impacts?
How will it affect downtown Berkeley?
How can we encourage the University to be a better neighbor?
What can city government do?
And what can Berkeley citizens do?

These and other questions will be addressed at the November 14 forum. An hour of brief (5-minute) presentations will be followed by an hour of discussion among everyone present.

Panelists:
Wendy Alfsen (neighborhood perspective)
Jesse Arreguin (affordable housing, student concerns)
Zelda Bronstein (UC and the Berkeley General Plan)
Andy Katz (environmental issues)
Dean Metzger (the University and city finances and taxes)
Anne Wagley (historical overview of UCB growth)
Rob Wrenn (traffic and parking)

Opening statement by Dona Spring, District 4 City Council
Closing statement by Kriss Worthington, District 7 City Council

An hour of brief (5-minute) presentations will be followed by an hour of discussion among everyone present. Sponsored by: BLUE Berkeleyans for a Livable University Environment

• To support BLUE’s efforts to maintain quality of life in Berkeley, write to info@berkeleyblue.org
• To support the lawsuit, make checks payable to “Law Offices of Stephan C. Volker” and mail them to 1 Hazel Rd., Berkeley, 94705.
• You can also visit the web site for Berkeleyans for a Livable University Environment at www.berkeleyblue.org
  
  Event was broadcast on Channel 33, Berkeley Public Access Cable.