{"id":4175,"date":"2017-02-18T12:25:16","date_gmt":"2017-02-18T20:25:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/occupysf.net\/?p=4175"},"modified":"2017-02-18T12:43:46","modified_gmt":"2017-02-18T20:43:46","slug":"berkeley-approves-plan-fast-tracked-100-units-homeless","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/occupysf.net\/index.php\/2017\/02\/18\/berkeley-approves-plan-fast-tracked-100-units-homeless\/","title":{"rendered":"Berkeley approves plan for fast-tracked 100 units for the homeless"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Prime opportunity for local micro developer\u2019s prefab module homes<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
BY ADAM BRINKLOW<\/a> <\/span>
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A showcase MicroPAD in front of Kennedy\u2019s office last year.<\/figcaption>Adam L Brinklow<\/cite><\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
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In January, newly seated Berkeley City Councilmember Ben Bartlett showed interest<\/a> in commissioning 100 of San Francisco developer Patrick Kennedy\u2019s experimental MicroPAD homes to accommodate Berkeley\u2019s homeless.<\/p>\n

Although Bartlett told Curbed SF the city must take proposals from other developers on his plan to fast track construction of emergency housing, it was very clear that Kennedy was an early favorite for the job.<\/p>\n

Bartlett acknowledged that he had the MicroPAD in mind when conceiving the legislation. \u201cIt\u2019s the best thing out there,\u201d he said of the 160-square foot prefab apartments<\/a> that snap together like Legos.<\/p>\n

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A model in Kennedy\u2019s office approximates modular construction.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The proposal breezed through City Council on a unanimous vote Tuesday, although the modified version<\/a>removes most of the specific language about modular building and micro homes.<\/p>\n

The legislation now simply says that the city wants \u201cup to 100 units of housing in an expedited manner,\u201d for which the council promises to \u201camend the permitting and approval process\u201d and build as fast as possible.<\/p>\n

Kennedy has long courted San Francisco to erect a building out of his MicroPADs on city land to house the homeless, but has found few friends at SF City Hall. The East Bay appears to be more fertile territory for him.<\/p>\n

Bartlett was not immediately available for comment. Kennedy told Curbed SF, \u201cWe\u2019re looking forward to submitting a proposal, along with anyone else who\u2019ll respond.<\/p>\n

Berkeleyside notes<\/a> that city staff identified two potential sites for building on Tuesday, both parking lots, one at 2012 Berkeley Way and another at 2642 Russell Way.<\/p>\n