Embedded Files
Of those 915 estimated to leave Berkeley each day, consultants say 421 parking spaces. The city's agreement with WETA says those spaces have to be "reasonable distance" from the terminal gate. Can they do it? The plan is here:
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/our-work/capital-projects/berkeley-pier-ferry-access-project
Counterpoints to the plan:
Key Points from BWCC meeting
McGrath letter to project manager
BWCC letter to FITES Committee
Summary of exchanges with project manager
SUCCESS!!! BCDC Commissioners agree marina parking plan needs a "major" application, not a "minor" administrative consent. You all made this happen!
In May 2026, council moved to implement a paid parking program for South Cove and the J&K lots, bypassing the Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Commission and separately from the ferry parking plan. Our analysis (see our DEIR public comment) shows:
52% of waterfront visitors who arrive by car are 50 or older.
47% earn below Berkeley's median household income.
On average, visitors to the south waterfront have lower incomes than those visiting the north waterfront.
Seawall Drive and South Cove West draw the highest share of visitors earning under $25,000.
The J&K lot near the bait shop also sees a high number of visitors earning under $75,000.
Those earning under $25,000 most often park in South Cove West.
Regulars at the south waterfront — employees of local businesses, nonprofit volunteers, seniors, and others — would face paying a $500 annual pass to park.
Because parts of these lots fall within the 100-foot shoreline band that the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) oversees around the entire bay, BCDC must approve the plan. BCDC's role is to protect public access to the shoreline. We'd encourage you to write to them and share your concerns about this proposal.
We are delighted to report that BCDC commissioners voted 12-7 on August 6, 2026 to bump up the paid parking permit application from an admin permit -- which would have allowed city to proceed with the paid parking plan -- to a major permit application. One commissioner specifically cited the volume of public testimony as strong indication that the plan would adversely impact public access. Great job everyone!!
There is a lot more to unpack here, and this will come up again, but for now - take the win!!! Low-cost access to the shoreline lives another day (and hopefully longer)!
We can't underscore enough how much we are grateful for your support and engagement on this.
Link to August 6, 2026 Commission Meeting
Read Berkeley application HERE.
Read these letters from our members to see key points:
Allison Granzella's letter to BCDC
BWCC response and letter to BCDC
Parking with Ferry
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