I say yes

I have lived three blocks from Ashby & College for the past fifteen years. I think this is a great infill project, much more appropriate for the neighborhood than the former garage, and that it will bring vitality to our neighborhood. I do not belive that it will generate much additional car traffic or that a bar in a restaurant, like the one just opened in Somerset, down College in Oakland, or the one that (for those who go back far enough) use to be in Normans on the corner of College and Alcatraz will have any adverse affect. This is the best kind of use for these buildings in this location. I would also add that I have discussed the projects with many of my neighbors and all are in favor.

Henry Siegel

I say yes

Wrights Garage, I thought was an eye sore and negatively impacted the neighborhood in several ways. The mechanics and towers could be seen throughout the day moving their cars right across form where I live on Russell near Hillegass. Frankly I'm relieved that another use for that space has been found.
I think having a Restaurant with a bar, naturally hoping that it's one I'd like to go to, will be a enhancement for that space. Depending on the success of the restaurant there may be additional parking in the neighborhood, When I think of the cycle of eating at a restaurant, that is, people sitting eating or waiting and those leaving after having eaten, think that parking issues may be a relatively light impact. The Public Parking on Russell should help since it's also free at night.

I say yes

As a Berkeley voter and former resident of the Elmwood neighborhood (College and Derby), I support this Project, and look forward to the pedestrian activity it will add to the district. I also support Councilmember Wozniak's public statements of support. He is an elected official who has a duty to Berkeley and his constituents to be open and forthright with his views. Personally, I prefer to know what my elected representatives think about important Berkeley land use issues, rather than forcing them to keep mum to preserve the illusion of objectivity regarding quasi-judicial decisions. Open, respectful discussion and debate is the best way to reach good decisions about public policy.

I say yes

Walk up the street to a friendly bustling restaurant with fine food , which is open late and has space to meet up with friends?

Yes, please!

If my family feels like tacos, Italian or Asian food, there are plenty of choices but isn't there more than enough room in the neighborhood for other options?

(Parking tip - when I don't have time to walk the five blocks, I don't expect to be able to park within that first block, but can generally find a spot behind the barriers north of Ashby or other locations more than a block away.)

From what I've seen, Gordon Commercial has done nothing but good things to improve Berkeley - their hearts are in the right place. I'm sure that they're doing all they can to make it work for everyone. How lucky we are to have them in our community!

I say yes

Traffic and parking concerns are cited in opposition to almost any development project proposed for Berkeley. Meanwhile, our neighborhood business districts are essentially "flat" and our downtown business district suffers and declines. We in Berkeley need to admit we are an urban place, and that traffic and parking impacts, while real, can be mitigated to a point that we can have economic vitality AND quality of life. Without economic growth our civic services will continue to deteriorate and our quality of life will ultimately suffer even more. We need to manage growth, not just stop it!

I say yes

I am puzzled. First, there are so many restaurants in the Elmwood already. How is it that suddenly this one is going to be the straw that breaks the camel's back? I agree entirely with Gordon. The Elmwood is a business district. It needs more vibrant businesses to support the ones that are already there. Second, why limit the hours of operation? It has been proven over and over that having eyes on the street at all hours makes neighborhoods safer. Third, why limit the type of cuisine? If that rule had applied to the existing restaurants, we would currently be lacking a popular Chinese restaurant, a popular Italian restaurant, and a popular coffee house or two. I am looking forward to the new restaurant and am anxious to try it out.

I say yes

A garage in that location is a poor use of space. A restaurant and shops makes good sense. Parking issues should be addressed creatively for the entire commercial district, not just for this project. It is a good project and should be approved.

I say yes

I like the idea of a breakfast, lunch, dinner restaurant that stays open after 10P.M. I think it will benefit the businesses on College Avenue, and actually be an asset in the neighborhood. It will change the unsightliness of Wright's Garage into something more aesthetic.

I say yes

I strongly support the Wright's Garage Development. I live three blocks from the corner of College and Ashby.

Like many others, my wife and I chose to live in this neighborhood because we wanted to be able to walk, rather than drive, for a nice meal at a restaurant, a cup of coffee, groceries, etc. We love the neighborhood, but have long felt that it could use a nicer restaurant and it could use a place to have a drink with friends. In talking to our other neighbors, we have found that many want the same thing. It should come as no surprise that a developer has picked up on this need and wants to meet it.

I expect that we would go to the restaurant and the bar (and the yoga/fitness studio, if that remains part of the plan) frequently. We prefer to shop in the neighborhood rather than get in the car, so we like the idea of having more choices within walking distance.

Gordon has made extensive efforts to work with the community, and as a person who lives in the neighborhood, he is part of that community. He has met repeatedly with neighbors, answered questions, opened up the property for visits, and adopted numerous conditions in response to the concerns expressed (reasonable and unreasonable). He has already dramatically improved the look of the building. All indications are that he is a responsible developer who is responsive to the concerns of the community.

The main objection that I have heard concerns the impact on traffic and parking. There will be effects. However, I think that they are overstated. There is often vacant street parking nearby Ashby and College in the evenings, when the restaurant will do most of its business. Gordon has also discussed other parking solutions, such as leasing additional parking space, freeing up some parking directly on the street, or arranging for valet parking. Ultimately, if the restaurant and other businesses attract and depend on patrons who drive, they will have an incentive to use one of these options (or come up with others) to please their customers. That's what restaurants at the other end of College, in Piedmont, already do.

Fred Norton
3050 Hillegass Ave.

I say yes

Parking is already bad in the Elmwood district, but more businesses are needed to draw customers. The district is slowly dying as things are going right now. This proposed use promises more use at different hours.

I say yes

I live a few blocks from the Elmwood, and value being able to walk to run my errands or enjoy an evening out. I am in favor of the proposed additional busineses, which would provide additional reasons to head to the Elmwood. Parking is a problem, but this is a ciity, not a mall. If the amenities in the neighborhood are attractive and useful, then more people will be encouraged to get out of their cars and walk/bike/ride to shop locally.

I say yes

I fully support the proposed conversion of Wrights Garage.
Successful urban neighborhoods are a mixture of the old and the new. Older well established shops and eateries are mixed with new entreprenueurial enterprises that may be 'hip'and fashionable. The two new tenants around the corner from Wrights Garage, on College, are an example of this. They are bringing new life to the neighborhood.

As far as parking goes, I live adjacent to Solano Avenue and often have problems parking in front of my house. But I can walk out my door to a wonderful variety of shops, restaurants and services. In fact I am right around the corner from one of the best restaurants in Berkeley. Sure, sometimes it's a little noisy at night but that's life in an urban area!

Jane Wise

I say yes

As the contractor performing the work on the Wright's Garage building, my vote may be discounted by some as a conflict of interest. Nevertheless, I feel very strongly about the benefits of this project and feel compelled to take the time to express my perspective.

The renovation of Wright's Garage is in keeping with what I believe is Berkeley's popular commitment to green building and historical preservation. The adaptive reuse of this incredible building is the most evironmentally friendly option available. Given the very high cost required to seismically reinforce this building, a less sensitive owner might have opted for a full demolition and replacement with another controversial, multi-story project that would certainly be more financially rewarding.

As someone who has been on the corner for more than a year, I have spoken to a great many neighborhood people; the overwhelming response has been extremely positive for the work that has been performed already. The vast majority of feedback has been positive for the proposed renovation of Wright's.

Having worked with John Gordon and Janis Mitchell on the Historical Renovation of 2615 College Ave. (the corner building), I know the love and respect they have for these wonderful old buildings. From removing stucco and restoring the old redwood siding beneath, to replacing the aluminum windows with historically accurate double hung sash, each decision was grounded in maintaining and enhancing the architectural integrity of the building.

How lucky the Elmwood is to have neighbors willing to bear the work and expense of such a project. I am proud to be a part of this endeavor.

Chip Harley
Holland and Harley Construction

I say yes

Compared with the previous situation, the proposal is a distinct improvement. The right restaurant could be a real addition to the neighborhood. I would hope that the new stores would also add variety rather than compete with existing stores. Parking is a real issue; whatever the city can do to mitigate it would be great (short of removing traffic barriers, which would have too large an impact). We can't oppose this on the parking issue; there is already too much traffic and too little parking, but this is part of the environment of the Bay Area and can only be solved by moving away!

I say yes

This is an improvement over the former garage. The neighborhood needs more patrons and this should help.

I say yes

I'm all for a new destination within walking distance in our neighborhood. Note to possible restauranteurs: a great breakfast alternative to Rick & Ann's would be wonderful. We don't bother to go much any more - the wait is so long and there are no other alternatives!

I say yes

Marcia Johnson
2800 Kelsey Street
Berkeley 94705

I say yes

When I bought my house in the Elmwood it was because it is so close to a commercial area. I understand the benefits and the costs of living near a commercial area. I think that everyone who bought here understood these issues as well. To complain about traffic and parking when we all knew why we moved to the Elmwood seems rather disingenuous. The barriers help to keep us nice and quiet but I cannot ask for more.

Some wanted to control the parking permits of the folks who will work at the shops. Now that to me is really regressive. The people who work retail and in food service are typically low paid. Having them bare the brunt of parking tickets seems rather punitive. Yes, there is good public transportation but we all know that at times we have to drive to work. I truly cannot see punishing low paid workers.

I welcome a variety of stores on College. I welcome spending my money in Berkeley. Wow, the possibility of a good restaurant on College in Berkeley.--looking forward to that.

I say yes

Empty storefronts drain the vitality of neighborhoods. Interesting retail and eating establishments are enhancements. They will be located on a public transportation corridor. Commerical development of this former garage site will be good for both the merchants and the neighbors.

I say yes

As an Elmwood resident, I'm in favor of this proposal. Sprucing up the Elmwood shopping district can only improve our property values, and a spiffy restaurant will look much nicer than the existing garage.