Councilmember Polly Armstrong

Subject:

REQUEST THAT THE CITY MONITOR AND REVIEW PLANS FOR THE CLAREMONT HOTEL EXPANSION

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Council ask the City Manager to direct staff to review and monitor any plans or permit requests or environmental documents submitted by the Claremont Hotel for their proposed expansion and inform us of any opportunities that exist for the City to ensure that the impacts on residents are avoided or mitigated.

BACKGROUND:

The Claremont Hotel is considering a significant expansion, potentially 165 additional rooms, (including condominiums) and a 3-level parking structure. The existing grounds of the Claremont Hotel provide what little park-like area survives in this southeast portion of Berkeley. Covering this green space, increasing the density with its attendant traffic increase, and altering the historic setting and nature of the property provides a distinct threat to the Claremont-Elmwood neighborhood. Our options for controlling these plans are limited because the entire hotel and its grounds are located within the Oakland city limits. Unfortunately, the impacts will be felt most severely by Berkeley residents.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

Unknown

CONTACT PERSON:

Councilmember Polly Armstrong: 644-6401