UC Berkeley began walling off People's Park with a 20-foot-high barrier made of shipping containers to prepare for a student housing project, sparking protests and arrests. Despite an ongoing lawsuit preventing construction, the university is allowed to erect fencing. The park's closure led to the dismantling of community structures and the removal of protestors and encamped individuals. Law enforcement presence was significant, with over 100 officers from various agencies. Activists and community members continue to oppose the university's plans, citing the park's historical and political significance, while others support the need for student and homeless housing. Legal questions remain about whether the current actions at the park constitute construction under the court order.
In an effort to move forward with a $312 million student housing project at People’s Park, owned by the University of California, Berkeley, police cleared the park of protesters and homeless individuals in an overnight operation. The park has been a historic site of demonstrations, and the university's plan to build housing there has faced legal challenges and opposition from activists. Despite a pending appeal to the California Supreme Court regarding environmental reviews, the university proceeded to secure the site, resulting in the arrest of seven activists and the relocation of homeless individuals. The university aims to prevent new encampments and crime resurgence while awaiting legal clearance to resume construction.
UC Berkeley is closing the People’s Park construction site to prepare for the building of student and supportive housing, while awaiting a California Supreme Court ruling on legal challenges. The closure involves heightened security measures due to past violence and vandalism. The university is also addressing safety concerns due to increased crime in the area and has plans to revitalize the park space. The project has broad support from students, community members, and government officials, and aims to provide over 1,100 student beds and 125 apartments for low-income and formerly unhoused individuals, contributing to Berkeley's goal of creating more student housing.
UC Berkeley is facing resistance from activists as it plans to fence off People’s Park with shipping containers and barbed wire, despite an ongoing state Supreme Court case that currently bars construction. The university aims to build a 1,100-bed student housing project and supportive housing for formerly homeless residents on the site. Activists have occupied the park and are preparing for potential clashes, similar to those in August 2022, which saw a 12-hour standoff with police. The university has not commented on the specifics of the fencing plans or the potential law enforcement presence, but there are reports of extensive food service preparations for police officers, indicating a large-scale response may be anticipated. Local officials are urging restraint and respect for protesters' rights, emphasizing the park's historical significance.
