Meeting Overview

The Berkeley City Council held a special meeting on April 22nd to deliberate on an appeal concerning a major redevelopment project at 2274 Shattuck Avenue, which involves the demolition of the United Artists (UA) Theatre, a state historic landmark. The meeting was attended by Mayor Jesse Arreguin and council members, with Vice Mayor Rashi Kesarwani and Councilmember Terry Taplin participating remotely. Councilmember Ben Bartlett was absent. The primary focus of the meeting was the appeal against the Zoning Adjustments Board's (ZAB) decision to approve a 17-story mixed-use development, which would incorporate the preservation of the theatre's front façade.

Main Agenda Items

The central agenda item was the appeal against the ZAB's approval of the proposed development, which includes 227 residential units, with 23 designated as very low-income, and approximately 8,000 square feet of open space. The project is located in the Downtown Mixed-Use District and seeks to preserve the historic façade of the UA Theatre. The discussion revolved around the project's compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and whether it qualifies for an infill exemption under AB 1633.

Key points of contention included:

• Historical Significance and Preservation: The appellant argued for the theatre's full preservation, citing its cultural and historical value, while the applicant maintained that the project met legal requirements for exemption under CEQA.

• Legal and Environmental Frameworks: The debate included whether the project qualifies for CEQA exemption and the implications of the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) and AB 1633 on the approval process.

• Public Sentiment: Public comments were divided, with some advocating for the preservation of the theatre as a cultural asset, while others highlighted the urgent need for housing, particularly affordable units.

• Economic and Cultural Impact: Discussions included the potential economic benefits of the redevelopment, contrasted with concerns about the loss of cultural venues.

Decisions Made

After thorough deliberation, the council voted to affirm the ZAB's decision and reject the appeal, allowing the development project to proceed. The decision reflects a prioritization of housing development, in compliance with state laws, while acknowledging the need to balance growth with cultural preservation. The outcome underscores the complexities involved in urban planning, particularly in a city with a rich cultural heritage like Berkeley. The council's decision sets a precedent for future projects involving historic resources, highlighting the ongoing challenge of integrating development goals with community values and historical preservation.