Berkeley's New Plan May Face Voter Approval

After a 7-2 approval by the City Council, Berkeley's new zoning plan may face a public vote. A signature drive by the two dissenting council members has gathered enough signatures to force the vote and is in the validation process.

1 minute read

September 2, 2009, 9:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

"'As progressive as Berkeley is, there's always some resistance to change,' said Matthew Taecker, the city planner in charge of the plan. By August 21, the city clerk had counted 9,200 signatures, and now the county registrar has a month to validate them. If there are enough, the city council will have to rescind the plan, call a special election, or place it on the ballot for the next scheduled election in June 2010. A special election is unlikely, Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates said, because it would cost the city $200,000, an amount it cannot afford."

FULL STORY: The Battle of Berkeley

Monday, August 31, 2009 in The Architect's Newspaper

Education & Careers California Berkeley Voter Referendum Zoning Plan

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