Save the Post Office: Zoning Overlay Ordinance to be Voted On, Support Requested.

 The Zoning Overlay Ordinance on Berkeley’s existing Historic Civic Center District, including our historic Post Office, has gained national attention. On August 27, 2014, the Planning Commission will vote on whether to forward the Ordinance to the City Council for consideration at the September 9, 2014 council meeting. The Zoning Overlay will save the Post Office, Old City Hall, and our historic Civic Center from commercial development.

The Mayor and Council have stated that they are ready to make the Zoning Overlay submitted by citizen initiative the law in Berkeley. The Commission must approve an Environmental statement and new use definitions before the Overlay can return to Council.

Show the Planning Commissioners That We Care.
Bring a Friend. Let’s Fill the Room!

Berkeley’s Historic Civic Center District is our Public Commons.  Let’s protect it with appropriate zoning.

Planning Commission agenda for the 8/27 meeting.
pdf of entire Planning Commission 8/27 packet (103 pages)

Green Downtown & Public Commons Initiative
Designated as “Measure R”

Measure R on the November ballot will guarantee that our historic Civic Center – including the Main Post Office and Old City Hall – are reserved for public-serving uses, and that our Downtown is developed in concert with Berkeley’s values of equity, access and support for the environment.

Under Measure R, new developments

• meet high green building standards
• include affordable housing on site
• offer generous bike parking
• include parking for the disabled, car-sharing and electric vehicle charging
• guarantee jobs for Berkeley residents and fair wages for construction, maintenance, security and hotel workers.
• provide funding for public transportation, improvements to streets, sidewalks, parks and open spaces and for loans to small businesses

Measure R protects Our Civic Center as a public commons � in perpeetuity � preserving traditional uses that serve the common good succh as museums, libraries, government, non-profits, arts, live performance venues and farmer’s markets. No future Council can vote to allow exclusively private uses – ever.

Don’t Buy School Supplies at Staples!