Meeting Overview

The Berkeley City Council held a special work session on November 18, 2024, primarily to discuss the Waterfront Specific Plan. The session, led by the Vice Mayor due to Mayor Jesse Arreguin's absence, focused on reviewing the draft plan for the Berkeley waterfront, which has been in development since 2019. Key city staff, including Scott Ferris, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront, and Christina Erickson, Deputy Director, presented the plan. The meeting allowed for public comments and aimed to address long-term challenges and opportunities at the waterfront, particularly focusing on financial sustainability, zoning guidance, and community engagement.

Main Agenda Items

• Waterfront Specific Plan Objectives: The plan addresses financial challenges within the Marina Fund, which is running an operational deficit and has substantial unfunded infrastructure costs. It aims to create a financially sustainable waterfront by providing zoning guidance and designating areas for potential commercial redevelopment and new recreational opportunities.

• Community Engagement: There has been significant community input through workshops, focus groups, and questionnaires, emphasizing the need to preserve existing uses while encouraging new ones and protecting open spaces.

• Plan Components and Development Scenarios: The plan includes visions for parks, recreation, nature, redevelopment, and infrastructure, outlining three development scenarios—low, moderate, and high—each with varying levels of potential new structures and uses.

• Parking and Infrastructure: A parking study is underway to evaluate the impact of potential developments, including the Pier Ferry project, on parking availability. This study will inform future infrastructure priorities.

• Cesar Chavez Park: The park is excluded from the current plan, reflecting community sentiment against commercial development in this area.

• Financial Implications and Next Steps: The council discussed the financial feasibility of continuing the project, including potential additional costs for pausing or expanding studies. The council will consider whether to proceed with environmental reviews or undertake further studies based on session feedback.

Decisions Made

• Motion to Pursue High Development Scenario: Councilmember Terry Taplin proposed a motion, supported by Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani, to pursue a high development scenario for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), complete a parking study, and prepare a nature and recreation-based conceptual plan for Cesar Chavez Park. This motion was unanimously approved, allowing for maximum flexibility in future planning.

• Commitment to Community Engagement: The council emphasized the importance of ongoing community engagement and thoughtful consideration of future proposals to ensure the waterfront meets the needs of current and future generations.

• Budget Considerations: Concerns were raised about budget allocations for proposed studies, with staff committing to return with a detailed budget proposal in the next fiscal cycle to address a potential shortfall.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexity of planning for Berkeley's waterfront, balancing development with preservation and financial sustainability. The council's decisions reflect a commitment to exploring all options for the waterfront's future while ensuring it remains a valuable public asset.