The city of Berkeley and the Telegraph Business Improvement District are currently working to implement all aspects of the Telegraph Public Realm Plan, or TPRP, which includes making improvements to Dwight Triangle.

The TPRP aims to turn the section of Telegraph Avenue between Dwight Way and Bancroft Avenue into a “vibrant” area that could bring local businesses economic benefits through increased foot traffic. District 7 City Councilmember Rigel Robinson added that the plan could improve Telegraph Avenue’s current lack of greenery and art installations. One of the near-term improvements will start with the reconfiguration of the Dwight Triangle.

“The plan to redesign the Dwight Triangle to build a safer pedestrian passage and landscaped berm was proposed in the ambitious Telegraph Public Realm Plan in 2016,” Robinson said in an email. “Southside and the Telegraph Area is severely lacking in green space, and this plan will help bring some much needed vibrancy to the neighborhood.”

Proposed improvements for the Dwight Triangle include brightening the pedestrian walkway, creating a heavily cultivated raised bed and installing art. The city hopes that these improvements will increase foot traffic and green space, according to the TPRP.

Dwight Triangle, however, is currently fenced off and all homeless people were allegedly told to leave without being told future plans, according to Al Wager, Berkeley resident and vendor for Street Spirit.

“It was really nice – there were water fountains, trash cans and three benches to sit on,” Wager said. “It was very comfortable and a lot of the older (homeless) people used to sit on the benches.”

The Dwight Triangle redesign is part of the long-term vision to execute the Telegraph Shared Streets referral. The City Council unanimously approved the referral Oct. 29, which will allow Robinson to begin planning Telegraph Avenue’s transformation.