rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/berkeley-should-allow-sb-79-upzoning-without-delay?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-berkeley-should-allow-sb-79-upzoning-without-delay' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> East Bay YIMBY https://actionnetwork.org/groups/yimbyeastbay https://actionnetwork.org//images/generic_facebook.jpg Berkeley's Planning Commission is considering when and and how to implement SB 79 — and your voice can help. SB 79 is California's landmark transit-oriented housing law, signed last year after nearly a decade of advocacy. It requires cities to allow mid-rise apartments near major transit stations like BART — exactly the kind of infill housing that lets people live without a car, shrinks commutes, and makes a meaningful contribution to addressing the housing crisis. Berkeley has some of the best transit in California. It should also have the housing to match. At their meeting this Wednesday, the Planning Commission will decide whether to implement SB 79's zoning changes now or defer them to the next Housing Element cycle, around 2032. We think acting sooner makes more sense. More homes near BART means more people who can live car-free, lower emissions, and better use of the transit infrastructure we've already invested in. Cities also have the option of putting forward alternative plans rather than locating housing where SB 79 would by default. We would like Berkeley not to put forward an alternative plan; we believe that SB 79 locates housing exactly where it should be. If you agree, consider sending the Planning Commission a quick email before their Wednesday, April 15th meeting. You can also attend or call into the meeting at 6:30 pm if you'd like to speak directly. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/berkeley-should-allow-sb-79-upzoning-without-delay