Meeting Overview

On October 28, 2025, the Berkeley City Council convened a special meeting to discuss the framework for the Ashby-BART East Lot Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) project. The meeting was attended by Mayor Adena Ishii and council members, with the absence of Brent Blackaby from District 6. The session focused on the development framework for the East Lot of the Ashby-BART station, a pivotal project in Berkeley's TOD efforts. The meeting aimed to outline the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for selecting a developer to transform the current BART parking lot into a high-density, affordable housing project.

Main Agenda Items

The East Lot project, located behind the Ed Roberts Campus, is part of a broader initiative to develop the Ashby-BART station area. The City of Berkeley plans to acquire the land from BART, marking a strategic shift in ownership. The framework for the RFP includes several key components:

• Threshold Requirements: Proposals must include at least 300 bedrooms, with 35% designated as affordable housing. There is also a requirement for a community benefits fund of at least $150,000 annually for South Berkeley.

• Project Goals: Developers are encouraged to exceed basic requirements by maximizing density, achieving 50% affordability, and prioritizing housing for seniors and people with disabilities.

• Reparations and Community Impact: The project features a reparations component to address historical displacement of African-American residents, with contributions to a South Berkeley Community Fund.

• Design Guidelines: The project must ensure accessibility, pedestrian-friendly environments, and neighborhood scale transitions.

• Selection Process: An evaluation committee will review proposals, with a process involving interviews, public presentations, and City Council approval.

• Financial Considerations: The City has allocated $8 million from its Housing Trust Fund, with additional funds for pre-development activities.

• Timeline and Next Steps: The RFP is expected to be released in early 2026, with developer selection anticipated within six months.

Public and council discussions emphasized the need for community engagement, innovative housing solutions, and equitable development practices. The meeting also addressed the potential for affordable homeownership and the inclusion of diverse community perspectives in the advisory committee.

Decisions Made

The council unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the city manager to expend housing trust fund dollars to acquire the Ashby BART East Lot property, aligning with a previously authorized exchange agreement. This decision underscores the council's commitment to advancing the TOD project with a focus on affordable housing, economic justice, and community involvement. The meeting concluded with plans to continue discussions on the project's development, ensuring that community input remains central to the process.