Downtown Berkeley Association

The city of Berkeley’s Zoning Adjustments Board approved a plan Oct. 25 to construct an 18-story building with 274 new apartment units at 2190 Shattuck Ave. in Downtown Berkeley, the current location of a Walgreens.

The Downtown Berkeley BART station plaza, which has been under construction since 2016, is set to be completed this month. A controversial recommendation from Mayor Jesse Arreguín would enforce regulations of unpermitted lodging — through California Penal Code Section 647(e) — and sidewalk obstruction.

The complex, located a block from the west entrance of UC Berkeley’s campus on 2145 University Ave., will be made up of four buildings containing 205 apartments and 14,000 square feet of retail space. Residents are expected to move in starting mid-2020, according to a Mill Creek Residential press release.

The beats of Brazilian street drummers filled the air, providing a rhythm for the hundreds of feet marching along some of Berkeley’s most iconic streets. While not necessarily crowded, the blocked-off areas were populated by laughing children playing cornhole or blowing bubbles, local election campaigners hoping to gain votes and people of all ages painting animal figurines.

The policy also prohibits individuals from lying down within the vicinity of a BART entrance. But after more than an hour of public comment at Thursday’s special meeting, Berkeley City Council sent the proposed policy back to city staff for revision.

The Downtown Berkeley area may see increased police foot and bicycle patrol, as City Council will consider establishing funding for this recommendation at its regular Tuesday meeting.

Berkeley City Council is considering imposing a tax on vacant storefronts to incentivize property owners to rent out their space.

When the Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza reopens, Berkeley residents will witness new “soundscapes,” light shows and art galleries — some of the final products of the $7.6 million renovation.

Sussman’s new work features the words “peace” and “joy” painted over an assorted background of black, green, blue and orange.

Berkeley’s third Chipotle location will open at 2225 Shattuck Ave. on Dec. 7, according to Chipotle spokesperson Chris Arnold.