Infrastructure Repairs May be Neglected for Special Projects
This post has been revised as the Measure L Campaign Now Claims 1,700 units of housing will be built
Proponents of Berkeley’s $650 million mega bond (Measure L) have promised approximately $881 million in new spending. This spending includes 1,700 units of subsidized housing, a new recreational pier, City Hall and Civic Center rebuilding, underground utilities, infrastructure repairs and in-district amenities such as pools. WOM Berkeley estimates cost to be $881lion in today’s dollars and could run as high as $1 billion.
The Yes on L campaign’s growing subsidized housing numbers may be a reflection of the fact that special interests that will benefit have donated $65,000 to the campaign. The increase focus on building suggests that funds will not be available for the infrastructure repairs we desperately need.
Opponents of Measure L cite a lack of planning as a major concern with the bond measure. These concerns appear to be validated by this evolving list of promises that exceed available funds.
We don’t know what projects or issues the money will be spent on because crucial advanced planning has not happened
Perhaps most troubling for Within Our Means Berkeley is that we believe the most urgent need is to repair city infrastructure which by most reports is in critical condition. As streets, sidewalks, sewers and storm water systems fail costs multiply. The fact that City Council is championing new projects suggests that funds claimed to be for infrastructure repairs will be diverted. In fact, Measure L has specific language that gives City Council the power to spend funds on any project they choose. During the discussion [time stamp 1:29:00] to place the borrowing measure on the ballot City Council suggest up to 1,700 units could be built, and this should be the priority program.
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