Center for Independent Living to remove garden project in Berkeley

"Call the police, call the police right now." - Margie Cochran (of the Center of Independent Living, Berkeley California)

Margie Cochran, employee of the Center of Independent Living, left an envelope under a brick in the gardening area. A message with official Center For Independent Living letterhead was left threatening that the plants were going to be removed and that a new fence would be enclosed around the lot. The letter specifically stated that the lot had been sold, which made no sense because if it had been sold then it wouldn't matter to CIL if there were plants or not, because it would not be their property. Local residents claim that the sale has actually not actually gone through as of yet, and that CIL is not being truthful.

An attempt was made to negotiate limited use of the lot for gardening purposes to keep the lot maintained, as opposed to being used for dumping and needle dispersal. The city of Berkeley does not have the resources to maintain the lot as a clean area, and CIL has proven that it has been unable to maintain the lot for years. Growing vegetables makes the area look nice, proving an aesthetic benefit. Gardening also has a practical benefit of growing food for a lower income neighborhood. It is unclear that the building has been sold and transferred at this time to Patrick Kennedy and the plans of the new building are being challenged, so even as CIL finally moves out next week, there are no immediate plans for the lot.

An attempt was made to peacefully and calmly discuss the letter left under the brick, and possibly negotiate limited use of the parcel for gardening. A person who works at CIL, who refused to identify himself, stated that anyone gardening the lot would be arrested. When Margie Cochran entered the scene, she tried to take the camera. Frustrated at not being able to take the camera, Margie C demanded that the police be called. Neither the unidentified man nor Cochran were willing to explain if the sale of the lot had actually gone through, or if the sale was still pending. Neither of the two Center for Independent Living employees would explain how the lot was going to be maintained as to not being a dumping ground, given that there are not immediate for construction of anything. The CIL employees chose to resort to threats of arrest rather than have a rational discussion about the lot, and limited gardening use.

CIL is liquidating their asset to a developer who plans to lower the quality of living for a lower income area which has elderly and disabled population. A new 6 story building is out of character for the historical neighborhood which sits between Willard Park and People's Park, and is one block off Telegraph Avenue. The large building will cast shadows onto the neighborhood during the day, and cast bright lights onto the neighborhood at night (what is referred to as light pollution). The densely populating building will be a source of noise which the older buildings and homes in the area are not equipped to block out, as older buildings have limited insulation. The neighborhood is already being hit by noise by a renovation project of two historical homes (the Wolley and Blood houses) which were placed a former parking lot across from People's Park. And another property nearby is undergoing its own renovation, and a possible addition of a second unit. As well, there is a proposal for a shorter (4 story) building to be constructed on what is now a parking lot at Parker St and Regent St. The neighborhood already is expanding and renovating, but in a way which is more in the style of an historic area. Patrick Kennedy's plan of a 6 story building is not suited for the area.

All that is being asked at this time is limited use of the parcel by Regent St for gardening until the community and the developer work out their differences through the civic process. There is no way the lot is going to be developed soon. There is time to allow one growing season. There already are broccoli heads forming. The cabbage already is getting large. There is garlic, spinach and chard growing. The garden has support of residents of Regent St who think the lot has never looked so good before, and have shown appreciation for the work that has been accomplished.

There are also trees on the lot which are going to be cut down by CIL. The trees are used by hummingbirds, and other birds. Because the trees are behind a fence, and because people rarely enter the area, the birds find a sanctuary in trees separated away from most people.

Citycouncil person Lori Droste was asked to support the garden which is in her district. The staff person for Lori Droste stated that the council person would not intervene on behalf of the garden. When it was mentioned that the city of Berkeley supports urban agricultural zones, and that land-owners can get a tax break for allowing gardening on derelict lots, Droste's staff person was entirely unaware that there was a city council meeting last year about supporting urban agricultural zones. The staff person was also unable to explain if the lot had actually been sold by CIL to Patrick Kennedy, or if the sale was still in process. Droste is a new council member; however the building is one of the more controversial projects in the district, and the councilperson should be following it more closely than not at all. Droste should also be aware that there is an increased interest in gardening in Berkeley.

Residents have been enjoying the garden, but CIL has been entirely unwilling to meet with members of the public about their concerns about the lot. An attempt was made to reach out to CIL, and CIL chose to call the police rather than have a discussion.

The entire situation with CIL calls into question their understanding of independent living. Growing food in a time of economic crisis is independent living. Gardening to maintain a blighted lot is independent living. The only people who have been inside the lot are people who are low-income and people who identify as having a disability. The neighborhood is populated by people with disabilities. And yet the Center for Independent Living, which takes government funding as a non-profit organization, is unwilling to have a discussion about community, about healthy living, quality of live and sustainability.

People are asked to call the Center For Independent Living and show their support for the garden for a short time until there is actually movement forward on the lot (which won't be any time soon). The number is 510-841-4776. The number for the office of Margie Cochran is 510-649-1100 ext 303. The entire situation also calls in to question Lori Droste's commitment to progressive values. Droste's number is 510-981-7180.