People’s Park and the Heart of Berkeley’s Values | Public Comment: Berkeley City Council Consent Calendar 1.16.24
Our leaders, positioned to make decisions impacting us all, seem to overlook viable alternatives. Their vast personal estates in the Berkeley Hills stand as monuments to missed opportunities for university expansion. If we are committed to the betterment of UC Berkeley, why are these alternatives not being considered? This isn’t just about land; it’s about where our priorities lie as a community.
Honorable Members of the Berkeley community, fellow residents, and esteemed guests, my name is Aidan Hill and my comment is regarding Chess accommodations. People’s Park is the original chess location on Telegraph Ave and should return as such.
I come before you today with a message of urgency and a plea for true representation. We are at a crossroads concerning the proposed development at People’s Park, and it’s a moment that demands not only our attention but also our collective conscience. That is why I will be filing my candidacy for Berkeley’s City Council District 7.
It has become increasingly clear that the current trajectory set by our decision-makers does not reflect the interests or values of our community. In a city that prides itself on progressive ideals, there is a glaring disconnect when those in power refuse to represent the voices of their constituents. The plan to build on People’s Park is more than a land-use issue; it’s a symbol of this disconnect.
Our leaders, positioned to make decisions impacting us all, seem to overlook viable alternatives. Their vast personal estates in the Berkeley Hills stand as monuments to missed opportunities for university expansion. If we are committed to the betterment of UC Berkeley, why are these alternatives not being considered? This isn’t just about land; it’s about where our priorities lie as a community.
Moreover, the way this development has been handled raises serious concerns about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an Afro-Latine individual, I see firsthand the dissonance between the university’s stated values and its actions. The increased militarization and policing in response to community dissent do not reflect a city dedicated to the safety and well-being of all its residents.
I also stand firmly against the creation of housing solutions that exclude and displace. Student-only housing developments that remain underutilized while our homeless population grows are not solutions; they are part of the problem. We must demand housing policies that are inclusive and beneficial to all members of our community.
The importance of People’s Park extends beyond its greenery. It represents our community’s mental and physical health, our children’s development, our environmental sustainability, and our sense of community. Reducing this vital space is not just a loss of land; it’s a loss of community spirit and a blow to our environmental stewardship.
Therefore, I call upon the Berkeley City Council to align its actions with the values of our community. In a progressive city like ours, there is no place for leaders who do not listen to and represent their constituents. It’s time for our voices to be heard and for our values to be reflected in the decisions that shape our city.
Thank you.
