Comments on: Berkeley NIMBY Ordinance Holds the Elmwood District Hostage

By: In Berkeley » Recession, what recession? in the Elmwood

In Berkeley » Recession, what recession? in the Elmwood — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 23:28:50 +0000

[...] the street, I’m still lamenting the loss of Bolfing’s Elmwood Hardware after 84 years of operation. Neighborhoods need practical stores, as well as upscale ice cream and [...]

By: ThickCulture » Commercial Stabilization & the Community

ThickCulture » Commercial Stabilization & the Community — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 07:09:33 +0000

[...] frequented many restaurants in the area. Unfortunately, draconian zoning regs. caused an indie hardware store to close (a fave of mine), which was also a draw to the [...]

By: chris schuk

chris schuk — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 02:40:45 +0000

Tad Laird is a wonderful man who has done so much good for the college ave community. He’s always been helpful to the other buisnesses in the area, and would even help out with emergency maintenence when called upon, often for no fee. Only for the satisfaction of having such a wonderfully close community in which to raise a family. I’ve known Tad for almost 30 years, and I have to say, he’s the best uncle in the world.

By: Eric

Eric — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 20:45:17 +0000

At least in the case of liquor stores, there is a
demonstrated connection to crime, and a pressing external justification. Even if you don’t agree with it, there is a utility there; less so with the Elmwood, I think. You’re absolutely right though, it comes down to the slippery slope.

In Laird’s case, there is a massive disconnect between his very reasonable project, and the need to comply with an ordinance that imposes an unreasonable burden on a small business owner who cannot bear it. Here, too, there is definitely a slippery slope. But it’s not like College Avenue is overdeveloped or anything.

By: dto510

dto510 — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:50:47 +0000

Great blog. However, other zoning ordinances in Berkeley impose quotas on businesses – there are quotas on Telegraph Ave restaurants (that are regularly waived, since they’re totally unrealistic).

Last year, an Oakland City Council candidate suggested that Oakland impose similar ultra-rigid zoning rules on Grand Avenue to limit nail shops. While currently one does not need to go through a public hearing to open a business in Oakland, there are always no-growth or busybody types itching to impose more control on small businesses. If the City Council can figure out how to write legislation that passes muster with the state, Oakland will throw up as many barriers to tobacco and liquor retailers as it can. That may seem reasonable, but it’s a slippery slope from banning liquor stores to nail shops and finally all development.