"Berkeley leaders are making early moves toward putting a bond measure on next year's ballot that would raise hundreds of millions of dollars for projects to improve local infrastructure, ranging from upgrades at fire stations and parks to a revival of the Civic Center complex. Many of those same officials are wary of whether the effort will win enough support from Berkeley voters, after an attempt to pass a similar infrastructure measure three years ago failed."
"I'm excited that we are on the cusp of moving forward with a major investment in Berkeley's infrastructure, Councilmember Brent Blackaby said. We know we need to do it, it's just a question of how, when, how much [and] what's involved. Staff in Berkeley's parks, public works and fire departments envision splitting the bond funding and putting it toward projects they say will improve community spaces, public safety facilities and other critical infrastructure."
"A report prepared for Tuesday's meeting listed 34 potential projects that could be funded with the $300 million bond, including: Seismic retrofits of the Beaux Arts old city hall building, known as the Maudelle Shirek Building, and the nearby Veterans Memorial Building on Center Street, which today house a handful of local organizations but have mostly been cleared out because of their earthquake risk."
Berkeley leaders are planning a bond measure for next year's ballot to raise hundreds of millions for local infrastructure needs. The City Council directed staff to survey voters about a potential $300 million bond. Officials expressed concern about voter support after a similar measure failed three years ago. City departments propose dividing bond proceeds among projects to improve community spaces, public safety facilities, and critical infrastructure. A report named 34 potential projects, including seismic retrofits of the Maudelle Shirek Building and the Veterans Memorial Building, renovations to the 911 dispatch center, and modernization of fire stations and the training center. The effort is presented as necessary to shore up public facilities.
Read at www.berkeleyside.org
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