Berkeley council approves first reading to vacate portion of Carlton Street amid concern for people living on site

The Berkeley City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance on July 22 to vacate a 381.23-foot stretch of Carlton Street so the adjacent property owner may assume maintenance and pursue site improvements.

The proposal drew extensive public comment from people living on or near the site and from community advocates who said vacating the street would displace people who have used the area as a place of refuge. Several speakers described fears that belongings would be seized in sweeps and urged the city to identify sanctioned encampment sites or shelter options before removing people.

Jennifer Cogley, representing Bayer, said the company owns property on both sides of Carlton and intends to maintain the street and install a water-treatment feature to address stormwater concerns. She emphasized Bayer's local workforce and a development agreement that funds community programs.

City Manager Paul (first name not stated on the record) told council that, if the ordinance passes a second reading, staff would coordinate the Human Services Response Team (HRT) to talk with people on site and offer shelter if space is available. He said the city is pursuing other sanctioned encampment sites and noted ongoing county funding solicitations that could create additional shelter opportunities.

Council voted on first reading for the vacation; the motion carried with one abstention.

Why it matters: the action transfers maintenance responsibility to a private property owner and could change the legal status of the site for people who live there; council members and speakers emphasized the need to pair land-use decisions with outreach and shelter referrals.