Berkeley's University Avenue Association
The University Avenue Association represents more than 200 merchants and the neighbors who live along University Avenue, all the way from the freeway to the entrance of campus.
Join / Current Issues / Email
Berkeley's University Avenue Association
The University Avenue Association represents more than 200 merchants and the neighbors who live along University Avenue, all the way from the freeway to the entrance of campus.
Join / Current Issues / Email
The Berkeley arch located on San Pablo Ave. at University Ave., Circa 1930. The line #2 Street car tracks were taken out in 1933. The sign points out the contrasting areas of Berkeley (industrial and education). The arch was removed in 1942. Louis Stein collection.
6Th and University Ave., going East.
Grant Ave. and University Ave. Looking West bound.L
The Gateway
University Avenue - the Gateway to Berkeley - is the home of international markets and cuisine. The flavors of each block are as unique as those who flock to Berkeley.
Martin Luther King Jr. way and University Ave., East bound.
East bound at Grant Ave. and University Ave.
UA Homes Mural @ 1040 University AVE., Berkeley
Bus Rapid Transit
Bus Rapid Transit
Bus Rapid Transit Meeting: Monday, April 10, 2023 @5PM
The City of Berkeley’s Councilmember Terry Taplin has authored the proposal of development of an implementation and community
engagement plan to install Bus Rapid Transit . This would include dedicated bus lanes,
transit signal priority, elevated platforms, and enhanced sections, along the AC
Transit 51B route along University Ave from Sixth St to Shattuck Ave and along
Shattuck Avenue from University to Durant.
To see the Proposal click on the link below or copy and paste link below and go to page 33.
https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/legislative-body-meeting-agendas/2023-03-02%20Agenda%20Packet%20-%20Facilities.pdf
UAA POSITION:
The University Avenue Association (UAA) has not taken a position on it at this time. If the BRT proposal takes the current parking on the street then UAA would oppose it.
If you would like to attend the hybrid meeting below is the Information.
Berkeley Business Forum: Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Listening Session
Monday, April 10th 5pm
The UC Theatre, 2036 University Ave + Hybrid Zoom Webinar
Join us for a hybrid listening session to hear about a proposal for City of Berkeley staff to develop an implementation and community engagement plan to install BRT infrastructure on AC Transit’s 51B route along University and Shattuck Avenues. Councilmember Terry Taplin (District 2) recently introduced the item in the city’s Facilities, Infrastructure, Transportation, Environment, and Sustainability Policy Committee and is holding a series of stakeholder listening sessions. During this session, Councilmember Taplin will provide a presentation followed by a Question and Answer portion where attendees can share their thoughts and concerns.
Sign up on Eventbrite for in person attendance.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/berkeley-business-forum-bus-rapid-transit-brt-listening-session-tickets-597943774927
Upon Eventbrite registration, the confirmation email will include the zoom link to register to join remotely.
Alternatively, sign up for remote only using the Zoom Webinar link
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pVj4AsBjS26Hnvv9jOOyDQ
When
Monday Apr 10, 2023 ⋅ 5pm – 6:30pm (Pacific Time - Los Angeles)
Location
The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall, 2036 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
UPDATE:
At the meeting, Councilmember Taplin emphasized that this item is only a referral to city staff to begin the official community engagement process and implementation plan. When asked by attendees of the plans impact on street parking, he reemphasized this point and stated that no plans are being proposed nor have they been made so far.
The purpose of the future engagement process and staff studies would be to evaluate potential trade-offs between different street uses, including transit, automobiles, cyclists, pedestrians, and street trees. The meeting on April 10 was a community engagement meeting for the councilmember’s agenda item that would create an official and more lengthy community process that would take a longer time.
Local Issues
On behalf of both merchants and residents, the University Avenue Association fights for a vibrant and vital corridor.
Local Issues
On behalf of both merchants and residents, the University Avenue Association fights for a vibrant and vital corridor.
Transportation: AC Transit and the 51 Bus Line
AC Transit has proposed numerous changes to its 51 bus line along University Avenue. One major change would be to restrict parking on parts of Univivery Avenue from 4-7pm on weekdays. The UAA has been actively working with stakeholders to make sure the proposed changes make sense for our local merchants.
I want to update you on the AC Transit 51A & B project.
AC Transit will not be taking away peak hour parking for AM/PM.
No parking loss do to " Right turn lane or Q-Jump lane".
There will be no widening of University Ave. to put in right turn only lane.
The Bus stops at Grant/University Ave. and Sacramento/University Ave. going West bound will remain where they are.
The McGee bus stop will be removed as listed in project.
Many of the non intrusive parts of project like upgrading of signals, signal coordination and "Q" jump which allows buses to get in front of traffic has been approved.
I want to thank University Board of officers and Directors and merchants, AC Transit and City of Berkeley Planning Commision and Mayor/Council for working on achieving a better project
May 7, 2014
New Projects on University Avenue
There are some interesting developments in the works. In West Berkeley, the 800 University project has been approved by the City and would add housing, commercial and office space at the foot of the Avenue. Three projects are proposed on the block between McGee and Milvia: one at the existing Firestone Tires site, one between Travelodge and Nation’s, and one at McGee. Together, these developments would add vibrancy in the form of new residents and revitalized streetscape.
City of Berkeley council voted to increase the minimum wage to $10.75/ Hr in 2016 and will appoint a task force to investigate what should be done beyond 2016. For full story visit Berkelley Side. May 7, 2014.
http://www.berkeleyside.com/2014/05/07/berkeley-council-boosts-minimum-wage-approves-task-force-to-look-deeper/
New Development Projects
New Development Projects
There are some interesting developments in the works. In West Berkeley, the 800 University project has been approved by the City and would add housing, commercial and office space at the foot of the Avenue. Three projects are proposed on the block between McGee and Milvia: one at the existing Firestone Tires site, one between Travelodge and Nation’s, and one at. Together, these developments would add vibrancy in the form of new residents and revitalized streetscape.
The building of new mixed-use projects was slowed by the recession. Now several dormant project have come back to life, some with new owners. New projects are winding their way through the permitting process. The University Avenue Associations supports density and increased retail opportunities. We also want to help make these projects work for the Avenue and the neighborhoods. Quality retail space that is attractive to potential tenants is important. Narrow sidewalks are a problem on the Avenue and new zoning code requires an average two foot setback on the ground floor. Set-backs, especially the 5th floor help mitigate impacts on the residual neighbors behind projects.
1698 University Avenue clears Zoning. July 2014. Project detail: 5-story building approved, again, on University Avenue
1812-1814 University Ave , June 2014