Claremont-Elmwood Neighborhood Assn.

P. O. Box 5108

Berkeley CA 94705

 

CENA Web Newsletter

January 2008

 

INDEX

Article 1 CENA Working to Make the Caldecott Improvement Project a Better “Improvement” Project for Community

Article 2 Position on Bus Rapid Transit

Article 3 Elmwood Hardware

Article 4 Changing Times for Elmwood Shopping

Article 5 History Books at Mrs. Dalloway’s 

 

 

 

Article 1 - CENA Working to Make the Caldecott Improvement Project a Better “Improvement” Project for Community

            CENA has joined the Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore Coalition (FBC), a group of local civic and neighborhood organizations whose goal is to make the Caldecott Improvement Project a more healthful and beneficial project for the entire community. As proposed, Caltrans will construct a fourth bore north of the existing bores in order to relieve reverse-commute and weekend congestion.

            The Coalition filed a law suit against Caltrans last month because their Final Environmental Impact Report lacked adequate analysis of the project’s environmental effects. The coalition, whose membership includes the Claremont-Elmwood Neighborhood Association (CENA), North Hills Phoenix Association, Rockridge Community Planning Council, Parkwoods Community Association, East Bay Bicycle Coalition, and FROG Park took this step after much deliberation.

            During the past three years, this group has worked with well-respected consultants on environmental impacts, land use attorneys, experts on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Quality Protection Act (NEPA), professionals in the construction industry, and with local transportation engineers and planners.  Some us have been working with the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency for several years to identify necessary safety improvements along Tunnel Rd./Ashby Ave. Together, the group is working toward pragmatic mitigations for the project’s impacts during both its construction and operational phases.

             Among the mitigations and enhancements the Coalition seeks are a comprehensive and context-sensitive noise abatement plan that can be implemented along the Hwy. 24 corridor between the tunnel and I-580; modification of the striping, signals, and signage on nearby Berkeley and Oakland feeder streets to ensure safe and easy access to schools, roads, and public transit; improvements to pedestrian and bicyclist safety and access along the corridor and across the barrier represented by Hwy. 24; restrictions on truck traffic; replacement of flammable Eucalyptus trees and other invasive vegetation on Caltrans property near the tunnel with native species such as redwoods and oaks; and enhancements for community recreational use.

            The seeds of the Coalition were sown in the 1960’s, when the third tunnel bore and the Grove-Shafter Freeway were built, slicing through long-established neighborhoods in Berkeley and Oakland. Environmental laws that would have required mitigations for impacts didn’t exist back then. Over the years, neighborhoods became subjected to increasing freeway noise and air pollution and local streets have become clogged with vehicles heading to and from the tunnel.

            Caltrans has invited the Coalition into settlement discussions, and we hope a settlement can be reached in due course.  CENA has committed $5,000 of its funds to support the law suit and we will be responsible for our share of the total cost if the lawsuit goes to trial. We are asking CENA members to help us by paying a minimum of $10.00 extra with your regular membership dues (Please see the President’s letter inside). The Sierra Club Foundation will be the Coalition’s fiscal agent, and larger tax-deductible contributions to the law suit can be made via the Foundation .     By Ann Smulka 8

 

 

 

 

Article 2 - CENA’s Position on Bus Rapid Transit

        BRT – what is it? BRT means Bus Rapid Transit – who could be against that? Rapid buses must be good, right?  Well, probably not.  Let’s start with a few definitions: The BRT is AC Transit’s proposal to install dedicated bus lanes from San Leandro (or Bayfair) to downtown Berkeley along International Boulevard, Telegraph Avenue, Bancroft Way, and Shattuck Avenue. In Berkeley, we would have one car lane and one bus lane in each direction on Telegraph Avenue south of Dwight Way. North of Dwight Way, AC Transit is proposing a “transit mall” of bus lanes only with no car lanes. You can get the details by going to: www.actransit.org/brtdraft_eis.wu.

            What is the “Rapid Bus”?    “Rapid Bus”, another AC Transit proposal, has already been implemented. Its name is very similar to “Bus Rapid Transit” but it’s important to distinguish between the two. The “Rapid Bus” consists of new double buses, timed lights, and transponders on the buses to keep lights green so buses can quickly move through intersections. This has already been implemented on Telegraph Avenue as the “1R”.  A similar system was put in on San Pablo Avenue two years ago.

            Why is the BRT Good?  The BRT would provide faster, more reliable service from San Leandro to downtown Berkeley. AC Transit’s Draft EIR (DEIR) states that BRT would save 5 to 7 minutes between downtown Berkeley and Oakland and 7 to 10 minutes between Oakland and San Leandro.

            Why is the BRT Bad?  Increased Neighborhood Traffic.  First, according to AC Transit’s theory, BRT will encourage car drivers to switch to the bus and the impact on neighborhood traffic patterns will be minimal.  The DEIR ignored the CENA neighborhood, however, and does not discuss the impact on our traffic. In the CENA Board’s estimation, it seems unlikely that the commuters to and from UC, a large part of our congestion, will switch to taking the bus. Do the math.  BRT is projected to reduce the traffic load on Telegraph Avenue by a maximum of 20%, yet the capacity of the street to carry traffic will be reduced by 50%. Where will the cars and trucks go? In addition, congestion will be worsened by limiting left turns on Telegraph Avenue, except at traffic signals.

             We Don’t Need It and the Cost is High. The 1R (the Rapid Bus) is already in place and is working.  The BRT will cause more traffic on our residential streets as drivers try to find alternate ways to get avoid Telegraph Avenue. College Avenue and the Belrose-Derby-Warring corridor, already gridlocked, will carry even more cars.

             BRT will cost approximately $400 million dollars.  That’s a high price to pay for shaving a few minutes off local bus trips. For these and other reasons the CENA Board of Directors’ official position is that the City needs to take the “no build” option in the Draft EIR.  Instead of BRT, the City should recommend other improvements to the bus system, such as purchasing tickets at local stores, having proof-of-payment systems on the bus to allow rear boarding, a region-wide transit pass, and lengthening the time for transfers.

            Who is Against the BRT?  All of the neighborhood organizations that border the BRT route are against the project. The Willard, Bateman, and Le Conte neighborhood associations, as well as CENA and the Telegraph Merchants Association are against the plan. They believe the traffic gridlock on Telegraph will cause drivers to use the neighborhood streets and the merchants feel they will lose business because of fewer parking spaces on Telegraph Avenue. This will discourage visitors and shoppers to the area.

            Where Do We Go From Here?  Individual Council members had previously expressed some support for the proposal but are now speaking more cautiously in light of neighborhood opposition.  Recently the Council directed the Planning Commission, in consultation with the Transportation Commission, to choose either the “no build” solution or one of the 4 proposals presented in the DEIR.  (There are 4 proposals because the line could extend to San Leandro or Bayfair, and the buses could run more or less often with greater space between stops).  The Planning Commission is tasked with informing the Council of their preference by January, 2008.  The decision to go ahead will then rest with the City Council who will present it in the spring of 2008.

            What Can You Do? CENA supports the “no build” option.  If you agree with CENA, call or write Gordon Wozniak (981-7180) and tell him you support the CENA/no-build position. This is going to be a tight vote on the Council and we need him on our side. By Dean Metzger and George Beier,       (Berkeley for Better Transportation Options )8

Article 3 - Elmwood Hardware

By Tad Laird

 

            Elmwood Hardware closed on Sept. 30 to start a major renovation of its 1923 building,   concentrating on structural and mechanical upgrades, ADA compliance and renovation of the façade.  Our plans do not include housing or any additional floor space.  We received Landmarks approval in September and the plan was approved by ZAB on November 26. We hope to start construction in December, and finish April or May.

            People ask us when the hardware store will re-open. The questions in our mind are whether it can AND whether it should. With delays and cost increases, we are spending more than we planned; without any additional floor space over which to spread these costs—especially without the housing that would have helped the cash flow – we will have higher costs for basically the same square footage. Traditional hardware stores cannot thrive in high rent spaces.

            The higher costs of our space are not our only concern. The Elmwood is clearly changing from a neighborhood oriented district with retail diversity, into something more regionally oriented with major unresolved parking and traffic problems. While we feel these are long standing problems which need to be addressed, recent decisions by the Zoning Board and City Council make it clear that we are in a minority. We will soon see at least 200 more restaurant seats, and almost 10,000 sq. ft. more of clothing and jewelry stores, without any real efforts being made to address any traffic or parking problems. The greatest change that has already taken place and has gone unnoticed, is the opening of a clothing store which is part of a chain with stores in 18 states, including 12 stores in California. This has never been permitted in the Elmwood.

            Now, it may well be that these are not problems, and that we will end up with a neighborhood that more accurately reflects the needs of the local populace.  Neighborhood organizations, including CENA, have chosen not to take a position on these issues, believing that a majority of their members want these changes. So, it leaves us wondering if a neighborhood hardware store works, or if we should rent the space to more high-end shoppers.

            We are still reviewing what mix of products and services might work here.  The traditional full-service neighborhood hardware store is no longer an option, which means our neighborhood is now the same as most other neighborhoods which lost their local hardware stores years ago. It is a shame that our “special zoning” was unable to prevent this, and that our City either doesn’t recognize the problems we are facing, or chooses not to address them. Once we get the construction underway, we’ll be spending A LOT more time reviewing our options. If you have any thoughts or ideas, we would be happy to hear them.  You can reach me  at tad@elmwoodhardware.com. Or by mail at 2951 College Ave., 94705     Thanks.

 

 

Article 4 - Changing Times for Elmwood Shopping

by Tad Laird

 

              Elmwood Hardware closed on September 30 to start a major renovation of its 1923 building,  concentrating on structural and mechanical upgrades, ADA compliance and renovation of the façade. Our plans do not include housing or any additional floor space. We received Landmarks approval in September and the plan was approved by ZAB on November 26. We hope to start construction in December, and finish April or May, 2008.

              People ask us when the hardware store will re-open. The questions in our mind are whether it can AND whether it should re-open. With delays and cost increases, we are spending more than we planned; without any additional floor space over which to spread these costs – especially without the housing that would have helped the cash flow – we will have higher costs for basically the same square footage. Traditional hardware stores cannot thrive in high rent spaces.

              The higher costs of our space are not our only concern. The Elmwood Shopping District is clearly changing from a neighborhood oriented district with retail diversity, into something more regionally oriented with major unresolved parking and traffic problems. While we feel these are long standing problems which need to be addressed, recent decisions by the Zoning Board and City Council make it clear that we are in a minority. We will soon see at least 200 more restaurant seats, and almost 10,000 sq.ft. more of clothing and jewelry stores, without any real efforts being made to address any traffic or parking problems. The greatest change that has already taken place and has gone unnoticed, is the opening of a clothing store which is part of a chain with stores in 18 states, including 12 stores in California. This has never been permitted in the Elmwood.

              Now, it may well be that these are not problems, and that we will end up with a neighborhood that more accurately reflects the needs of the local populace. Neighborhood organizations, including CENA, have chosen not to take a position on these issues, believing that a majority of their members want these changes. So, it leaves us wondering if a neighborhood hardware store works, or should we rent the space to high-end shoppers.

               We are still reviewing what mix of products and services might work here. The traditional full-service neighborhood hardware store is no longer an option, which means our neighborhood is now the same as most other neighborhoods which lost their local hardware stores years ago. It is a shame that our “special zoning” was unable to prevent this, and that our City either doesn’t recognize the problems we are facing, or chooses not to address them.  Once we get the construction underway, we’ll be spending A LOT more time reviewing our options. If you have any thoughts or ideas, we would be happy to hear them. You can reach me at tad@elmwoodhardware.com or by mail at 2951 College Ave., 94705.   Thanks.  8

           

 

 

 

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Article 5 - Berkeley History Books at Mrs. Dalloway’s

by Wendy Markel

 

            Recently three books have appeared in bookstores in the Bay Area. One is a guidebook of the architecture of the Bay Area, one is about Berkeley’s eccentric characters, and the last one is about a significant California architect. All of books are available at Mrs. Dalloway’s Bookstore on College Avenue.

 

AN ARCHITECTURAL GUIDE BOOK TO SAN FRANCISCO AND THE BAY AREA  by Susan Dinkelspeil Cerny.  Arranged by county followed by local resources, there are usable maps, many photographs, a short geographical description of each area, and a history of discovery and settlement. Surprisingly, all the buildings discussed can be viewed from the public right-of-way. This book would be a wonderful addition to any long-time Bay Area resident’s library, or for anyone newly arrived who might be interested in exploring the many styles found around the Bay.  $29.95. Published by Gibbs Smith. Soft Cover. 552 pages.

 

ECCENTRICS, HEROES, AND CUTTHROATS OF OLD BERKELEY  by Richard Schwartz

This book focuses on life in Berkeley during the last half of the 1800’s and the first two decades of the twentieth century.  As the jacket remarks “while the City of Berkeley is widely known as the home of remarkable individuals – from cutting edge entrepreneurs and Nobel Prize winners to visionary social critics and hippie clowns – Schwartz reveals that legendary personalities have been at the center of Berkeley life since its founding”. Using maps, photographs, newspapers and interviews, the author has compiled seventeen engrossing stories, using historic photographs, maps or newspaper clipping brings vividly to life the wild and woolly lives of Berkeley’s early inhabitants.$24.95. Published by RSB Books, Berkeley. Soft Cover. 244 pages.

 

JULIA MORGAN, ARCHITECT OF BEAUTY by Mark A. Wilson

This magnificent book is a testament to the exceptional architectural works designed by Julia Morgan.   Miss Morgan was a “courageous pioneer in the forefront of women’s professional advancement” and was inspirational for other young women. Although the jacket of this book shows a stunning photo of the pool at Hearst Castle, the book itself in no way pays excessive homage to that well-known property. Twelve chapters cover her life and works and is beautifully illustrated with photographs of residential houses, women’s clubs, churches, hospitals and schools.  As a demonstration of appreciation, today many of her 700 buildings have found their way onto the National Register of Historic Places, and many of these 700 can be found in Berkeley and The East Bay. $60.00. Published by Gibbs Smith. Hard back  212 pages. Photographs by Monica Lee and Joel Puliatti. Forward by Lynn Forney McMurray, Goddaughter of Miss Morgan. 8

 

CENA Board of Directors, 2007-2008:  Dean Metzger, President; Earl Crabb, Vice-President; Doris Willingham, Secretary; Beverly Doane, Treasurer. Directors are:  Michael Alvarez-Cohen, Betty Croly, Colette Ford, Bill Gilbert, Martha Jones, Tad Laird, Wendy Markel, Matt Mitchell, David Morris, Ann Smulka, and Anne Wagley.  Web site:  www.claremontelmwood.org.

                                                                          CENA is a non-profit association